Privileged and primitive hematopoietic stem cells, niches, and regulatory T cells

Project Narrative In this application, we hypothesize that the mammalian body possesses special small spaces within tissues, where stem cells are shielded from immune attack. This sanctuary for stem cells may protect transplanted stem cells from immune attack, and further shield cancer cells from immune attack and tumor immunotherapy, resulting in the relapse following the cancer treatment. We will validate this hypothesis to uncover new disease mechanisms, and further develop novel therapeutic strategies to manipulate the oasis for stem cells to improve the outcome of stem cell transplantation and cancer.