Discovery of immune cell response could lead to more effective vaccines

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified how a protein found on the surface of immune cells called dendritic cells recognizes damage and trauma, which could signal infection. Dendritic cells raise the alarm about the presence of viruses, bacteria, parasites, tumor cells and other dead or damaged cells. The study found that Clec9A, a protein that sits on the surface of dendritic cells and responds to damaged and dying cells, binds to fibres of actin. Actin, which are internal cell proteins found in all cells of the body, are only exposed when the cell membrane is damaged, making it a way of finding cells that could be housing dangerous infections. Dendritic cells could potentially be tricked to think they have come across a damaged cell and launch an immune response by creating vaccines that bind to Clec9A.