# Microparticle Induced Synergistic Toll-Like Receptor Activation Effect on Dendritic Cell Hyper-Responsive Sub-Populations

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2020 · $65,310

## Abstract

Project Abstract:
Dendritic cell (DC) antigen uptake and presentation is a crucial initial step in establishing adaptive immune
responses. This project will characterize a small sub-set of DCs, called hyper-responder DCs, which display
enhanced antigen uptake, immune activation and potentially initiate immune responses using paracrine
signaling. We will first identify these DCs by observing their uptake of fluorescently labeled, polystyrene coated
microparticles, which display toll-like-receptor (TLR) agonist molecules on their surface, and the kinetics of
hyper-responder immune activation. Next, we will establish a transcriptional profile for hyper-responders by
performing both bulk and single cell mRNA sequencing. By inhibiting cytokine release using the inhibitor
brefeldin A, we will also assess the contribution hyper-responders make to the overall immune response via
paracrine signaling and any specific genes regulated in a paracrine fashion. We will also repeat this analysis
using synergistic combination of TLR agonists in order to identify genes responsible for TLR synergy. Any
genes of interest will be validated through T cell interaction studies, western blots, flow cytometery and/or
immunofluorescent staining. By characterizing the hyper-responsive cells and their transcriptional responses
to paracrine signaling and TLR synergy, this project will advance our understanding of antigen presentation
and aid in the development of more efficacious vaccines.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10067363
- **Project number:** 5F32AI147517-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Peter Deak
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $65,310
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10067363

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10067363, Microparticle Induced Synergistic Toll-Like Receptor Activation Effect on Dendritic Cell Hyper-Responsive Sub-Populations (5F32AI147517-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10067363. Licensed CC0.

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