Objective
Cell-cell synapses are an exquisitely evolved means of communication between cells. During the formation of the immune synapse (IS), diverse transmembrane and membrane associated molecules are reorganized into a highly segregated structure at the T cell–Antigen-Presenting Cell (APC) contact site. As part of this process, the tubulin cytoskeleton is vectorially directed toward the center of the IS, where the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) localizes. MTOC translocation is an early event in IS formation that brings the secretory apparatus into close apposition with the APC, thus providing the basis for polarized secretion.
The proposal aims to define how the MTOC controls cytoskeletal rearrangement and communication at the IS, as a mechanism for macromolecule transport and nucleation of signalling molecules during synaptic contact. We will study the mechanisms of MTOC-mediated polarization of multivesicular bodies (MVB) and exosome delivery during IS formation, and will assess the role in these processes of MTOC translocation regulators (HDAC6) and microtubule (MT) polymerization promoters (Plk1 and EB1). MTOC-dependent mitochondrial polarization to the IS will be assessed as a bioenergetic source for cytoskeletal rearrangements, IS maturation and polarized exosomal delivery. In particular, our proposed study of the possible horizontal transfer of miRNAs during cognate interactions between immune cells has the potential to reveal how miRNAs can control the early initiation of immunity. We will investigate the mechanism of directional transfer of RNA-harbouring exosomes at the IS from T cell to APC, and will examine the functional consequences of this transfer on APC biology and on the immune response. These studies will open avenues for the treatment of immune-related diseases.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2011-ADG_20110310
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
28029 Madrid
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.