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

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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.