Lisa Forbes
Research Interests: Inflammation
Research Description: The Immunoprotective surfactant protein D (SP-D) inhibits epithelium-directed and promotes lymph node directed migration of myeloid dendritic cells in allergic airway response. Using a mouse model for allergic inflammation involving sensitization to Aspergillus Fumigatus SP-D inhibited: Expression of TNF-a, CD86, MHC II and CD11b on CD11c+ cells in vitro Af-induced proliferation and Th2 cytokine production Lack of SP-D in gene deficient mice resulted in: Constitutive Th2-lymphocyte activation in the airway tissue Enhanced susceptibility to allergic sensitization Abnormal macrophage and DC morphology and function Impaired retrograde migration of CD11c+ dendritic cells after allergen challenge.