Mediators shaping CD8 T cell activation and functions

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Our immune system is composed of numerous cells and molecules that are patrolling from our blood stream to all organs. When a danger is detected in one organ these cells and molecules enter the targeted organ and start a whole cascade of events to get ride of the danger: be a potential tumor or a microbe. Amongst the white blood cells circulating in human blood, a particular cell type named CD8 T cell plays a key role in controlling microbes. The proposed research program deals with CD8 T cells and aims to determine how these cells are influenced by environmental and intrinsic factors. The factors that are studied include soluble molecules (free-floating molecules), molecules on the surface of CD8 T cells as well as molecules inside these cells. In order to complete these studies various methods will be exploited from tissue culture, molecular biology and flow cytometry. Graduate students participating to this program will gain a diversified training in basic immunology, biology and complex data analysis. The final goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms from surface interactions to signaling cascades involved in shaping CD 8 T cell functions.