Investigation of Anarchin, a novel protein family member regulating T cell development and autoimmunity

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The aim of this project is to understand two of the most important pathways in the development of the immune system, which are the development of T cells and the prevention of autoreactivity against self-proteins. This is made possible by the discovery of a mouse strain called anarchy with defects in these pathways, due to mutation in a previously uncharacterised gene called Anarchin. The Anarchin gene is similar in mice and humans and is first member of a new gene family with unknown functions. In this project we will discover how Anarchin normally regulates the selection of T cells, generating immunity against infections but preventing autoimmunity. Poor immunity against infections and autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and insulin-dependent diabetes, place a major burden on human health worldwide. Therefore the discovery of Anarchin creates an important opportunity to identify new targets for the treatment of such conditions.