Positive and negative selection in the germinal centre reaction

我们将研究控制免疫系统产生抗体的过程。特别是，我们将确定免疫系统通常是如何阻止产生针对人体自身细胞的自身抗体的，以及在狼疮等自身免疫性疾病中这种抗体是如何失效的。我们发现的一种新型“流氓”白细胞的靶向研究也将为研究产生自身抗体的细胞如何逃逸并引起自身免疫性疾病提供重要线索。

We will investigate the processes that control the production of antibodies by the immune system. In particular, we will determine how the immune system is normally prevented from producing autoantibodies that target the body's own cells and how this fails in the case of autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Targeted studies of a new type of "rogue" white blood cell we have identified will also provide important clues on how autoantibody-producing cells escape and cause autoimmune disease.