We are using micro-array technology to explore the gene expression profiles of these DC subsets. In doing so, we will not only gain a valuable insight into the regulation of known genes in these populations but will also seek to evaluate the expression of novel gene sequences. They can then be probed with a labeled sample, usually cDNA generated from an RNA sample of interest by methods similar to those used in southern blot analysis. Basically, the difference in intensity of signal from two distinct RNA populations corresponds to the relative expression of that gene in the two populations under study. Towards DC targeted vaccines We have established a co-ordinated research effort involving five groups from the UK, Germany and Eire to design vaccines for cancer.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the western world.
The key issues in generating an immune response to a tumour are firstly, the tumour must present on its cell surface, antigens that can be recognised by T cells and secondly, the T cells with antigen receptors for the tumour must be activated to kill the tumour.