Understanding dendritic cells as a driver of immune dysfunction in aging
Dr. Mogilenko’s research focuses on functional changes in the immune system during aging. Aging profoundly alters immunity by creating chronic low-grade inflammation but simultaneously suppressing the capacity of the immune system to defend the body against viral infections and cancers. However, the signals and mechanisms underlying impaired immune responses during aging are not entirely understood. This project will study how aging affects conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) – the most potent antigen-presenting cells – and impedes cDC functions to mount CD8 T cell-mediated immune responses. Using mouse models and systems immunology approaches, his lab will identify age-associated mechanisms damaging the development and functions of cDC subsets and study how it impairs antigen presentation and the activation of cytotoxic CD8 T cells. Overall, this project is focused on decoding how signals from aged tissues disturb functions of professional antigen-presenting cells leading to deteriorated anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity in older individuals.
