Researchers have found that novel strategies that selectively target CD103+ DCs may alter the balance of allergen-induced immunity, potentially paving the way for innovative immunotherapies for allergic airway inflammation.
The study, led by RESPIRE2 fellowship recipient Dr Laura Conejero based at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), used animal models to evaluate the role of Batf3-dependent cDC1s during asthma, and found that lung CD103+ dendritic cells limited allergic airway inflammation through IL-12 production.
Dr Conejero completed a 2-year RESPIRE2 Fellowship in 2016, and says of the programme: “It has been a fantastic experience for me in all aspects; it has allowed me to do the research project I wanted to do, provided the funds required to attend the conferences and courses of my choice, and it enabled me to present my data.
“The RESPIRE2 fellowship also helped to establish and reinforce my scientific network. I have felt supported by ERS throughout the project”. Dr Conejero has secured further funding from her RESPIRE2 host centre for the next four years, enabling her to continue working in research.
RESPIRE Fellowship opportunities are still available for early career researchers through the RESPIRE3 Marie Sklodowska-Curie programme; the second call for RESPIRE3 is expected to launch in late summer/early autumn 2017.
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