Objective
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells have been implicated in diverse immune reactions, especially in the early phases, due to their rapid acquisition of effector functions. In contrast to conventional T cells, which recognise protein particles, iNKT cells recognise synthetic glycolipids, i.e. sugars linked to fatty acids.
However, only very recently have natural antigens for iNKT cells been identified in Sphingomonas bacteria and iNKT cell deficient mice have a greatly delayed bacteria clearance. This finding allows us, for the first time, to explore the significance of the antigen-specific reactivity of iNKT cells in the context of microbial infections.
The aim of this project is to determine how iNKT cells and the antigens they recognise are involved in the protective response to Sphingomonas bacteria. This involves the investigation of the kinetics and mechanisms of the anti-microbial immune response following bacterial challenge. Furthermore the processing and presentation of bacterial derived iNKT cel l antigens will be followed, and the interaction of iNKT cells with the respective antigen-presenting cells will be investigated.
In addition the long-term effects of natural bacterial antigens on iNKT cell functions will be examined. Results acquired with the model pathogen Sphingomonas will foster investigations with other pathogens bearing iNKT cell specific antigen. This work will deepen our understanding of iNKT cell biology and function, particular during microbial infections.
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 microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology autoimmune diseases
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
FP6-2005-MOBILITY-6
See other projects for this call
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.
OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships
Coordinator
BONN
Germany
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.