Projects / Programmes
Dendritične celice - prožilke in oblikovalke celičnih imunskih odzivov (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.09.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Pharmacy |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.01 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Basic medicine |
Researchers (9)
Organisations (2)
Significance for science
Exploring and understanding tolerogenic and suppressive mechanisms operating within the immune system is extremely important, as they are responsible for the maintenance of normal homeostasis, as well as implicated in number of severe pathologies, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. The results of our research importantly contribute to the accumulated knowledge. With the selection and application of up to now still unexplored pharmacological substances (niflumic acid and resveratrol) for the in vitro generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs), we discovered their novel properties and explained the mechanisms of their tolerogenic action. Similarly we succeeded to reveal, up to now unknown influences of the DC-SIGN lectin receptor in the maturation process of DCs and explored the related mechanisms. A completely new mechanism of tolerogenic DC generation was also discovered when large amounts of IFN-? were used. Taking into consideration the expected results of our work, we are sure that they will promote the development of new immunomodulatory therapies with the use of tolerogenic DCs as well as specific regulatory T lymphocytes (Tr1), generated and expanded ex vivo. Their clinical applications would be extremely welcome in the treatment or at least amelioration of certain autoimmune diseases as well as in improving the success rate of organ and tissue transplantations, these life-saving but also costly therapies. The latter is especially important when considering the fact that there is a huge shortage of allogeneic transplants all over the world.
Additionally we established fruitful contacts with other research groups from Slovenia and from abroad and published common results regarding the newly explained mechanisms of action of antimalarial drugs and imidazoquinolines, as well as standards for immunological monitoring of patients that will in future participate in clinical studies where the effects of cellular drugs on modulation of their immune responses in various diseases will be evaluated.
Significance for the country
Development of procedures and technologies for ex vivo preparation of tolerogenic or immunosuppressive, as well as immunostimulatory cells is highly important and could lead to establishment of biotechnological companies and public entities, the so-called "cell factories", operating under GMP conditions, according to the legislation on the safe use of human tissues and cells. Such high quality autologous or even allogeneic cell products would be used for the treatment of certain diseases in selected patients. This kind of therapeutic approaches are in line with the current trend of personalized medicine. Our research work is also in-line with thematic priorities of the National Research and Development Programme, especially with the part being dedicated to improvement of the well-being of humankind (health).
Our research work is also attractive for researchers, who will gain new knowledge and operating skills and through publications and attendence of international conferences promote our country. This is especially true for young researchers who will have the opportunity to thoroughly study this special interdisciplinary part of pharmacy, cell biology and immunology, as well as to elaborate their PhD theses on this topics. Additionally the activity of our research group within this extremely actual topic has increased its international visibility and recognition and of possibilities to access as a partner, the existing networks of collaboration in European Union and wider.
On the basis of our research that has been carried out in a previous and the current project a clinical study on the use of dendritic cell-based vaccine, designed for the immunotherapy of prostate cancer, has recently been elaborated and registered and is expected to start already this year. This will be the first study of this kind in Slovenia. Thereby Slovenia will become one of those progressive countries, which are striving to transfer various kinds of advanced therapies into clinical practice for their citizens.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
