Department of Paediatric Immunology and Leukocyte Biology

Projects

Completed Projects:

1. Study of cytogenetic, immunophenotypic and biologic characteristics of AML with study of FLT3 gene mutations.

Year of completion: 2007

Funding agency: ICMR

Outcome:

The incidence of FLT3-ITD mutation was found to be 14.5% in AML patients. Incidence was higher in APML (28%) patients.

On going Projects

1. Study of pattern of Primary Immunodeficiency in Western India with a view to establish a diagnostic algorithm suitable for this population.

Year of completion: 2011

Funding agency: ICMR

Expected Outcome:

This study will give us the pattern of Primary Immunodeficiency diseases seen in India and based on this we can establish an algorithm for diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiency diseases in India. Once the techniques for common mutations are standardized it can eventually be used for the pre-natal diagnosis in affected families.

2. Study of genetic basis of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in India

Year of completion: 2011

Funding agency: ICMR

Expected outcome:

This study will help to find out the prevalence of Genetic HLH in India and to standardize the molecular techniques for detection of common mutations causing HLH, which can eventually be used for the pre-natal diagnosis in affected families.

NEW PROJECTS

1. Development of a rapid granule release assay for evaluation of genetic Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Year of completion: 2013

Funding agency: ICMR, Extramural under translational research

Expected outcome:

Under this project we plan to develop a rapid granule release assay for evaluation of NK cell function which will be helpful in diagnosis of patients with HLH and to differentiate genetic HLH from acquired form of HLH.

2. Study of Biology of Leukemic Stem Cells

Year of completion: 2013

Funding agency: ICMR, Extramural

Expected outcome:

Under this project we aim to study the immunophenotypic and cell signaling characteristics of the Leukemic stem cells (LSC) in AML patients at presentation, during remission and after relapse. We will also study ultrastructural abnormalities by EM studies and the cultural characteristics of LSC.

3. Age-Related Blood Lymphocyte Subsets in Healthy Indian Children – A Multicentric Study

Year of completion: 2013

Funding agency: ICMR, Extramural multicentric task-force project

Expected outcome:

The proposed study would provide pediatric data that will determine the relative distribution of percentages and absolute counts for the lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD56+/16+ cells) among healthy children from birth to 18 years of age.