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Functional characterization of NK and DC lectin receptors

Objective

Dendrite cells (DC) are highly specialized antigen presenting cells (APC) that are critical for the initiation of T cell-dependent immune responses. The antigen uptake functions of DC are mediated by the expression of specialized surface receptors some of them belonging to the animal lection family. Recently, many lection receptors have been identified on the DC surface. On the other hand, natural killer (NK) cells also express lection receptors on their surface that controls its activity by a balance between inhibitory and activating signals. These NK receptors are close related to the DC lectinreceptors. Little is known about the functions of these lections. It is thought that most lections on DC are involved in pathogen recognition and presentation, however they may also mediate cell-cell interactions. Some lection receptors on NK recognize MHC-I, but the binding specify of most of them, or whether they can bind carbohydrates or pathogens is not known. The purpose of this activity is the functional characterization of new lections receptors expressed on dendrite and NK cells. We will define its carbohydrate specify and pathogen binding, internalisation ability and pathways, analysis of a possible role in cell-cell interactions and study of signalling events operated by these receptors. Detailed understanding of these processes will create sophisticated tools to inhibit, induce, or modulate DC and NK-specific responses in various diseases such as cancer, auto-immunity and infection.

Call for proposal

FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
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Coordinator

VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT MEDICAL CENTER
EU contribution
No data
Address
De Boelelaan 1117
AMSTERDAM
Netherlands

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Total cost
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