Imaging the T cell signalling machinery

将外部刺激转化为细胞内部是一个基本的过程，它支撑着生物学的许多独特方面，包括细胞运动、神经传递、对激素的反应和免疫识别。然而，这些信号通过细胞膜传递的基本机制尚不清楚。该提案将通过成像控制免疫系统是否被激活的多组件“决策”机器来寻求弥合我们知识上的这一差距。因此，这一建议将提供对免疫启动至关重要的分子事件的深远见解，从而最终通过改善健康造福社会。

The conversion of external stimuli to the interior of a cell is a fundamental process that underpins many unique facets of biology, including cellular movement, nerve transmission, response to hormones and immune recognition. However, the basic mechanism by which such signals are transmitted across cellular membranes is poorly understood. This proposal will seek to bridge this gap in our knowledge by imaging a multi-component “decision-making” machine that controls whether or not the immune system becomes activated. Accordingly, this proposal will provide far-reaching insights into molecular events that are of central importance to the initiation of immunity, and thus will ultimately benefit society via improvements in health.