Immune surveillance in the skin
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Immune surveillance in the skin: Implications of unconventional lymphocytes in health, inflammation and cancer
IRAS ID
169471
Contact name
Adrian Hayday
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The human skin contains large numbers of immune cells that play a key role in tissue health and disease. The majority of resident lymphocytes are ‘conventional’ T cells that express an αβ T cell receptor (TCR); however, there is also a population of ‘unconventional’ lymphocytes, such as T cells that express the γδ TCR. Data from mouse skin indicates that ‘unconventional‘ γδ T cells have an important role in monitoring tissue stress, contributing to both allergic immune responses and in preventing skin cancer. We aim to investigate the biology of human skin-resident T cells, with a focus on γδ T cells, and their responses to tissue stress.\n\nIn this proposed study we will investigate the human skin immune system primarily through the use of normal tissue, which would otherwise be discarded after surgery, and normal matched/control blood samples. We have established novel methods in our laboratory to isolate tissue-resident immune cells (lymphocytes). Applying this to human skin will allow us to study the function of resident immune cells in considerable detail, including rare ‘unconventional’ subsets. This will include their interactions with other components of the skin. Through the use of cutting edge laboratory techniques, we aim to describe the response of such immune cells to models of skin inflammation and cancer. This will enable us to study local tissue ‘checkpoints’ that may regulate these responses. As a result of this work, if we identify that certain human skin-resident lymphocytes have the potential to target cancer cells, we aim to assess their role as a therapeutic agent.\n\nThe proposed research is original in its focus on this relatively under-studied area of human tissue immunity. It will help us understand novel mechanisms of immune regulation, with implications for both health and disease.\n
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2130
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion