Tapasin and Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Antigen Presentation

一个有效的T细胞反应（细胞免疫反应）对感染是至关重要的功能免疫系统。正常情况下，蛋白质被切割成称为肽的小分子，这些肽依次由主要组织相容性复合体分子呈递给T细胞。然而，对于是什么决定了最终呈现给T细胞的肽的选择，我们只有部分的了解。最近的研究表明，一种叫做tapasin的分子也可能影响肽的选择。本研究计划旨在探讨tapasin在这方面的作用。彻底了解肽向T细胞递呈的基本原理对于设计有效的疫苗至关重要。此外，它还将拓宽我们对癌症、自身免疫性疾病和感染的免疫反应的理解。

An effective T cell response (cellular immune response) to infections is vital to a functional immune system. Normally, proteins are cleaved into small molecules called peptides and these peptides are in turn presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules to T cells. However, we have only partial understanding of what determines the choice of peptides that are finally presented to T cells. Recent research suggests that a molecule called tapasin may also influence the choice of peptides. This research proposal aims to examine the role of tapasin in this regard. A thorough understanding of the basic principles of peptide presentation to T cells is crucial to the design of effective vaccines. Furthermore it will also broaden our understanding of immunological responses to cancer, autoimmune diseases and infections.