Dendritic cells: where they live in the body and how they fight viruses
Project-002
This project looks at how dendritic cells in people's tissues respond to viruses and vaccines to help guide better immune protection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11467561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work maps which dendritic cell types live in different human tissues and lymphoid organs and measures how they respond to viral exposures. Researchers will analyze human tissue and blood samples to identify dendritic cell subsets and test their reactions to free viruses versus virus-infected cells, focusing on interferon versus inflammatory cytokine production. The team will compare responses across organs to find patterns linked to protective versus harmful immunity and vaccine responses. Results aim to inform vaccine design or therapies that steer dendritic cells toward more protective antiviral behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people willing to donate blood or tissue samples or who are undergoing clinical procedures where tissue can be collected with consent.
Not a fit: People who cannot or will not donate tissue or blood, or who need immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help design vaccines or treatments that boost protective antiviral responses while reducing harmful inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown dendritic cell subsets make different interferon and cytokine responses to viruses, but comprehensive mapping across all human tissues is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farber, Donna L. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Farber, Donna L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.