A novel mechanism for the regulation of T cell shape and function.

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T cells are a key component of the immune system, and an understanding of their regulation has already lead to important therapeutic interventions. It is now apparent that the shape of the T cell impacts upon its ability to be activated, to migrate through the body, and to kill target cells. We have identified a novel means by which T cell shape is controlled, involving a group of proteins which orchestrate molecular traffic throughout the cell. This project application is to elucidate the mechanisms by which the group of proteins regulates T cell shape and function. We will test whether the proteins act together to integrate signals throughout the entire T cell, and will test whether the proteins influence T cell function in the test tube and in the mouse.