REAL-TIME ANALYSES OF MAIT CELLS' RESPONSES TO INFECTION

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Our immune system is composed by many different immune cells that function together in a coordinated fashion to protect us from disease. Immune cells are very dynamic and constantly patrol the body on the look-out for infectious virus and bacteria. Consequently, the correct location of immune cells in the body (being in the right place at the right time) is extremely important for them to be able to efficiently find and destroy invading pathogens. While for many years immune responses to pathogens could only be studied in vitro (outside the body), the recent development of novel microscopy techniques enables scientists to directly visualize -within the body and in real time- immune cells combating pathogens. Our research aims to take advantage of these novel techniques to provide unique insight into the processes that initiate immune responses to bacterial infections. We focus on a specific population of immune cells- so called MAIT cells- which are known to be important in fighting bacterial infections. However how, where and when MAIT cells find and destroy bacteria in vivo remain unknown. In this proposal we intend to provide this understanding, by using our combined expertise in microscopy, immunology and microbiology to reveal the molecules and processes by which MAIT cells fight bacterial infections and how in turn bacteria subvert the immune system to survive in the host. The findings of this proposal may serve as the foundation for novel therapeutic and prevention strategies to treat infectious diseases