PROJECT SUMMARY

Kevin Gurney's research was focused on the function of DC-SIGN on primary dendritic cells directly isolated from the human gut mucosa. These studies required the generosity of human volunteers who submitted themselves for rectal biopsies--after all the relevant IRB approvals.

He found that the vast majority (>95%) of the HIV binding capacity of total mononuclear cells isolated from the gut mucosa could be accounted for by the DC-SIGN+ subpopulation, which comprised only 1-5% of the cell population. Using computerized quantitative morphometry in conjunction with real-time RT-PCR, he also determined that an increased IL-10/IL-12 ratio (a Type 2 cytokine environment) in the gut tissue was significantly correlated with increased DC-SIGN expression. This was confirmed by in vitro studies where IL-10 increased the DC-SIGN expression of monocyte-derived dendritic cells when the IL-10 was present during the initial monocyte stage.

Kevin Gurney was continuing his studies into the biology and function of these gut DCs when an irresistible offer from Genetech came along, complete with stock options. Kevin is now enjoying immunology research in the Bay Area. This research was performed in complete collaboration with Peter Anton, who directs the mucosal immunology core at the UCLA AIDS Institute.

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