Expression and function of discoidin domain receptor 1 in T lymphocytes

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The immune system is a complex system composed of several types of cells that have the function to protect the organism against infectious diseases and cancer. Among these cells are the so-called lymphocytes which are central for mounting a specific immune response. These cells patrol the organism through circulation in the blood and lymphatic systems for the presence of infectious agents or cancer cells. When this occurs, lymphocytes leave the circulation and enter the injured tissue to mount a specific immune response that aims at destroying the infected cells or the tumor cells. It is unclear how lymphocytes migrate from the circulation to enter the tissue. Our research program addresses this aspect and aims at understanding the basic mechanisms that regulate the migration of lymphocytes into the tissue. We have identified one receptor expressed by lymphocytes called discoidin domain receptor 1, which can be critical for the migration of lymphocytes. We thus propose to characterize how this receptor is expressed on lymphocytes and how it promotes their migratory function. Understanding the basic mechanisms of how lymphocytes migrate into the tissue will bring new insights in understanding the development of an immune response and will further our knowledge of how the immune system works to protect the organism. Therefore, our research will be beneficial to scientists working in the field of immunology. In addition, the proposed research will also be of interest for scientists working in cell biology and who are interested in cell migration mechanisms as this process also occurs during development and tissue regeneration.