The role of c-Rel in controlling chromatin architecture and transcription networks in T lymphocytes

免疫系统会对入侵的病毒或细菌做出反应，并尽可能有效地消灭它们。不正确的免疫系统激活会导致慢性炎症和自身免疫。免疫细胞也可能以不受控制的方式生长，导致白血病。免疫系统的细胞识别病原体，并通过改变细胞产生的蛋白质模式做出反应，从而使系统消除入侵的生物体。蛋白质生产模式的改变源于细胞基因表达谱的变化。细胞的基因表达谱是由称为转录因子的蛋白质的活性决定的。其中一个因子c-Rel与过敏、自身免疫、移植排斥和白血病有关。本项目的目的是研究c-Rel在T细胞中的功能，T细胞是免疫系统中重要的细胞类型。总体目标是了解c-Rel如何控制T细胞的基因表达谱，以便设计c-Rel作为药物靶点的合理基础。

The immune system is poised to respond to invading viruses or bacteria and eliminate them as efficiently as possible. Incorrect activation of the immune system leads to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Immune cells can also grow in an uncotrolled manner causing leukamia. The cells of the immune system recognise pathogens and respond by altering the patterns of proteins produced by the cells allowing the system to eliminate the invading organisms. The altered protein production patterns stem from changes in the gene expression profile of the cells. The gene expression profile of the cell is determinded by the activity of proteins called transcription factors. One such factor, c-Rel, has been implicated in allergy, autoimmunity, in transplant rejection and in leukemia. The aim of this project is to study the function of c-Rel in T cells, an important cell type in the immune system. The overall aim is to understand how c-Rel controls the gene expression profile of T cells so that a rational basis for c-Rel as a drug target can be designed.