Imaging the T cell signalling machinery

将外部刺激转换到细胞内部是一个基本的过程，它支撑着生物学的许多独特方面，包括细胞运动、神经传递、对激素的反应和免疫识别。然而，这种信号通过细胞膜传输的基本机制还知之甚少。这项提议将试图通过想象一台控制免疫系统是否激活的多组件“决策”机器来弥合我们知识中的这一鸿沟。因此，这项提议将对分子事件提供深远的见解，这些事件对启动免疫至关重要，从而最终将通过改善健康而使社会受益。

The conversion of external stimuli to the interior of a cell is a fundamental process that underpins many unique facets of biology, including cellular movement, nerve transmission, response to hormones and immune recognition. However, the basic mechanism by which such signals are transmitted across cellular membranes is poorly understood. This proposal will seek to bridge this gap in our knowledge by imaging a multi-component “decision-making” machine that controls whether or not the immune system becomes activated. Accordingly, this proposal will provide far-reaching insights into molecular events that are of central importance to the initiation of immunity, and thus will ultimately benefit society via improvements in health.