Quantification modelling and analysis of molecular dynamics patterning and signalling in the NK synapse.

生物系统的功能是通过细胞间协调的信号和通讯，这些信号决定细胞的功能和反应。免疫系统是细胞间通过可溶性介质和细胞接触进行信号传递的最佳研究领域之一。这种信号传导调节和指导免疫系统对病原体暴露的反应，其中不适当的反应可能导致疾病和死亡。细胞内的信号传导：细胞接触导致形成宏观的信号传导界面，其具有微米尺度的各种受体的图案，观察到的最简单的图案是靶心结构。已经提出了一种关于这种模式机制的理论，并提出了一种可用于模拟的数学模型，该模型给出了现实的结果，该模型强调了细胞：细胞界面环境对信号传导的作用。我们将通过测量一些模型参数（从细胞弹性到化学反应亲和力）来测试该模型，并验证模型预测。这将通过使用绿色荧光水母蛋白融合到感兴趣的蛋白质和前沿图像分析的复杂成像来实现。我们将要研究的这个系统在医学和免疫学上是非常重要的。

Biological systems function by coordinated signalling and communication between cells, signals which determine cell function and response. The immune system is one of the best studied as regards signalling between cells with both signalling via soluble mediators and cell:cell contact. Such signalling regulates and directs the immune system response to pathogen exposure where an inappropriate response can lead to disease and death. Signalling during cell:cell contact results in formation of a macroscopic signalling interface with patterning on the scale of microns of various receptors, the simplest pattern observed being a bull's-eye configuration. A theory for the mechanism of this patterning has been suggested and a mathematical model available for simulation which gives realistic results, a model that emphasises the role of the cell:cell interface environment on signalling. We will test this model by measuring a number of model parameters, varying from cell elasticity to chemical reaction affinities, and verify model predictions. This will be achieved by sophisticated imaging using green fluorescent jelly fish protein fused to proteins of interest, and leading edge image analysis. The system we will be studying is of immense importance in medicine and immunology.