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Ken Nguyen, B.
S., Microbiology Integrins enable T cells to respond to antigens of lower quality and density than those recognized by the TCR alone and in some cases may influence autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. I am identifying doses of antigen and integrin ligand that optimize the contribution of integrin ligation to T cell activation by directly visualizing this process by fluorescent microscopy using recruitment of ZAP 70 to the TCR, the formation of the LAT/SLP 76 complex as indicators. If integrins play a role, maximal T cell activation will be more closely associated with the maximal augmentation of signaling than with the maximal augmentation of adhesion. Eventually, I hope to understand the molecular basis for the cooperation between integrin-initiated signals and signals triggered by the TCR. |
