Translational Applications of New Insights into Immunoreceptor Signalling

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The aim of the T-cell biology group, in its translational work, is to develop new antibodies for use as therapies in autoimmune diseases. To achieve this we are working towards an understanding of the biology of the leukocyte cell surface, and to apply this understanding to the development of new drug-like antibodies. Leukocytes are white blood cells that are involved in defending the body against infectious disease and foreign materials found in the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems. The surface of leukocytes is covered in protein molecules, some of which are receptors that interact with fragments of specific foreign proteins either from infectious agents or other foreign materials, such as allergens, or, as in the case of some autoimmune diseases, to self-antigens. When the receptors interact with their target molecules, we propose that they undergo a reorganization that causes them to trigger immune response pathways. If these pathways are triggered inappropriately, then autoimmune disease can develop. The process of receptor triggering by native ligands can be mimicked with antibodies, which means that, when we fully understand the process, we may be in a position to design new antibody-based receptor agonists for use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.