Delineate innate immune responses in populations at risk (the elderly and the immunosuppressed) that are different from the general population

We will assess the efficiency of the immune response of monocytes and dendritic cells in different populations (young adult and elderly) in response to stimulation with specific TLR ligands. We will focus separately on TLRs 3, 7, 8, 9, that recognize viral targets, TLRs 1, 2, 4, 6 (bacterial targets), and the effects of aging on MIF.<br/><br/>We will quantify TLR expression as well as efficiency of signaling pathways triggered by TLR engagement to identify mechanisms that contribute to the impairments of innate immunity associated with aging and immunosuppression.<br/><br/>Finally, we will assess the functional and genetic polymorphisms of MIF in the innate response to TLR stimulation.