Gamma delta T cells specific for glycolipid antigens

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Gamma delta T cells are an enigmatic component of the immune system that use a unique class of cell surface receptors (gamma delta T cell receptors). Despite having been discovered 30 years ago, very little is known about what these cells recognise and respond to, and therefore what is their function. A population of gamma delta T cells that respond via their T cell receptor to particular forms of lipid molecules presented by an antigen presenting molecule, CD1d has been identified. The aim of this project is to isolate these T cell receptors and investigate the interaction at the molecular level in order to understand the parameters that trigger activation of these cells. This will provide fundamental insight into a key component of the immune system.