# Chromatin architecture as a regulator of dendritic cell function

> **NIH NIH R01** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $547,361

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
Dendritic cells (DCs) are immune sentinel cells that can be activated by innate stimuli to orchestrate adaptive
immune responses. Conventional DCs (cDCs) efficiently present and cross-present antigens to prime T cell
responses, whereas plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) rapidly produce type I interferon (IFN-α/β, IFN-I) and other
cytokines in response to pathogen-derived nucleic acids. Recent studies revealed an intricate topological
organization of the genome into topologically associated domains (TADs) established through cohesin-
mediated loop extrusion and demarcated by binding sites of transcription factor CTCF. CTCF/cohesin-
mediated chromatin architecture is thought to control cell type-specific gene expression programs, thereby
facilitating cell differentiation and function. However, the topological chromatin landscapes of DCs and their
role in DC differentiation and function are poorly understood. The overall goal of the project is to characterize
the chromatin architecture in DCs and elucidate the chromatin-level control of DC function. In Aim 1, we will
examine the role of CTCF/cohesin-mediated regulation in the differentiation of DC subsets. In Aim 2, we will
analyze the role of cohesin in DC function, including cytokine responses and antigen presentation. In Aim 3,
we will analyze the architecture of the locus encoding IFN-I genes, and the role of chromatin in the control of
interferon production in DCs. Collectively, these results would provide novel insights into the role and
mechanism of chromosomal organization in the regulation of DC differentiation and function.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10795103
- **Project number:** 5R01AI164728-03
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Boris Reizis
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $547,361
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-03-17 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10795103

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10795103, Chromatin architecture as a regulator of dendritic cell function (5R01AI164728-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10795103. Licensed CC0.

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