Investigating the immune response to somatic corneal stem cell allografts (360G-Wellcome-102804_Z_13_Z)

£828,795

This project will examine the interaction between tissue specific stem cells and the immune system using the eye as a model. This is a critical aspect of cellular therapy about which little is known. Two populations of corneal stem cells will be used, LESC and CSSC. The specific objectives are: 1. To determine the immunological characteristics of LESC and CSSC in terms of their ability to activate or suppress T cell mediated immune responses. This will be achieved by detailed phenotypic anal yses of the stem cell populations together with in vitro functional immunological assays. 2. To create a mouse model of LSCD in which LESC and CSSC allograft rejection can be studied. 3. To demonstrate the mechanisms of allograft rejection following LESC and CSSC transplantation in the mouse model. 4. To investigate whether the immunomodulatory properties of CSSC can confer improved cell survival onto LESC allografts when both cell types are co-transplanted. 5. To determine whether co-trans plantation of LESC and CSSC from different allogeneic donors is a viable therapeutic option or whether co-transplantation requires a common allogeneic donor for both cell types. The findings will guide immunosuppressive regimes and strategies in corneal cell therapy.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 828795
Applicant Surname Shortt
Approval Committee Clinical Interview Committee
Award Date 2013-11-21T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2013/14
Grant Programme: Title Intermediate Clinical Fellowship
Internal ID 102804/Z/13/Z
Lead Applicant Mr Alex Shortt
Partnership Value 828795
Planned Dates: End Date 2018-06-30T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2014-07-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region Greater London
Sponsor(s) Prof Emma Morris, Prof Philip Luthert