Thy-1 signaling in Th2, Th17, and T regulatory cell induction

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Specialized white blood cells called T helper cells and T regulatory cells are important components of the immune system. T helper cells produce an array of chemical messengers called cytokines that guide the development of the correct immune response needed to eliminate disease-causing microorganisms. T regulatory cells keep immune responses under tight control and help prevent the development of autoimmune diseases. However, before T helper cells and T regulatory cells can function properly, they must first be activated through a process that depends on physical interactions between the T cells and other specialized white blood cells called antigen-presenting cells. Dendritic cells are an important type of antigen-presenting cell. One of the structures found on mouse T cells that is involved in their activation is called Thy-1. Although human T cells do not have Thy-1 on their surface, they express similar molecules, one of which is called CD7. In a mouse model system, we will investigate the role that Thy-1 plays in the development of different populations of T helper cells that are specialized to protect against viruses, parasitic worms, and bacteria. We will also investigate the role of Thy-1 in T regulatory cell development. Mice are a useful model system in which to study mammalian immune responses, including those of human beings. In this case, the study of mouse Thy-1 will provide important clues to the function of similar molecules on human T cells. Our overall goal is to investigate the biochemical changes that take place in mouse T helper cells and T regulatory cells in response to Thy-1 stimulation. We will also determine whether signaling through molecules that are similar to Thy-1 have similar effects on T helper cell and T regulatory cell development. This research will add to our knowledge of T cell biology and may suggest new ways to enhance the activity of these important white blood cells.