Welcome
Decline in immune function is a hallmark of aging, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and reduced response to vaccination in the elderly population. Paradoxically, this decline in immune function is associated with low grade chronic inflammation. The molecular mechanisms underlying this chronic inflammatory condition and reduced immunity during cellular senescence are at present not well understood.
Research in the Agrawal lab is focused on understanding the contribution of innate immune cells such as dendritic cells towards age-associated inflammation and reduced immunity in humans. Our laboratory focuses on how these immune changes account for increased susceptibility of the elderly to various diseases such as respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. We also study the effect of the age-associated changes in dendritic cells on the functions of other interacting cells such as epithelial cells.
Our lab primarily uses blood cell isolation techniques to culture monocytes and dendritic cells for activation with various stimulants. RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and sandwich ELISAs are the primary assays and techniques used to obtain our experimental results.
Areas of Interest
- Age-associated decline in dendritic cell capacity to maintain peripheral self tolerance.
- Immunological contributions to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.
- Age-associated alterations in the functions of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells responsible for reduced immunity and increased susceptibility to infections like pneumonia and influenza.
Support and Funding
Funding for our projects have been supported by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP). The R01 grant received from the NIH on innate immunity and aging and the high impact pilot grant from the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) has contributed greatly to our research endeavors.
We are grateful to the UC Irvine Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) and their donors for providing human blood donations.