Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence

先天免疫系统是人体抵御感染的第一道防线，但也会引发不健康的炎症。先天免疫受体家族，如核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域（NOD样受体），最近被发现控制抗微生物防御和不健康的炎症。该项目将在分子，细胞和生物体水平上研究NOD样受体的基本生物学，从而更好地了解控制炎症和防御感染的基本生物学途径。这可能最终导致治疗感染和慢性炎症的商业机会。

The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, and will thereby lead to a greater understanding of the fundamental biological pathways controlling inflammation and defence against infection. This may ultimately lead to commercial opportunities for treating infection and chronic inflammation.