# Molecular Control of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Development and Function

> **NIH NIH R37** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $617,858

## Abstract

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) rapidly secrete type I interferon (interferon α/β, IFN) in response to virus-
derived nucleic acids, facilitating both innate and adaptive antiviral responses. Conversely, aberrant IFN
production by pDCs is associated with autoimmune diseases, establishing pDCs as important emerging
therapeutic targets. The overall goal of this project is to elucidate the molecular control of pDCs lineage,
including its development, homeostasis and function in various immune responses. In the previous award
cycles, we have identified E protein transcription factor TCF4 (E2-2) and several other factors as important
regulators of pDC development. The proposed work will build upon these findings to address major
unanswered questions in pDC biology. In Aim 1, we will use high-dimensional single-cell analysis methods
to characterize the stage and regulation of pDC lineage specification, as well as the functional heterogeneity
of mature pDCs. In Aim 2, we will use genetic approaches to dissect transcriptional control and regulation of
the unique IFN-producing capacity of pDCs. In Aim 3, we will explore the mechanism of virus recognition and
IFN production by pDCs in vivo. Collectively, the proposed studies should yield a comprehensive molecular
view of pDC development and function, paving the way for therapeutic approaches focused on this cell type.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10888154
- **Project number:** 5R37AI072571-18
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Boris Reizis
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $617,858
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2007-12-15 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10888154

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10888154, Molecular Control of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Development and Function (5R37AI072571-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10888154. Licensed CC0.

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