Objective Lymph node swelling is a classical hallmark of immunity. This expansion is observed by doctors, researchers and patients, yet as obvious as this process is, our understanding of the remodelling mechanisms involved are in their infancy. Lymph node remodelling is rapid and yet completely reversible, occurring countless times throughout our lifetimes. The purpose of this proposal is to understand how lymph node remodelling occurs and is resolved, repeatedly; to understand immunity in a whole organ context.The architecture of lymphoid organs is key to the effective operation of our immune system and is dictated by structures formed by non-haematopoetic stromal cells, including endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Beyond their structural roles, stromal cells play an active role in immune responses, and the field of stromal immunology has become one of the most dynamic and exciting areas of immunology research. In this proposal I focus on the changing behaviour of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) throughout cycles of lymph node remodelling. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are the most abundant lymphoid stromal cell population, and form an interconnected network spanning the full volume of the tissue. FRCs are highly contractile and are able to relax and stretch during early phases of lymph node remodelling. FRCs proliferate during later phases of lymph node growth but are then removed as homeostasis is restored. Throughout this proposal I will use an extensive range of systems, ranging from proteomics and biochemistry to intravital imaging.I aim to: 1) To discover how spreading and stretching of the existing fibroblastic reticular network is directed in the acute phase of expansion: 2) To discover the cellular cues inducing the switch from stretching to proliferation and growth of the fibroblastic reticular network and 3) understand how homeostasis is regained as immune responses are resolved. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologyhomeostasis Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2017-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2017-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Net EU contribution € 1 500 000,00 Address Gower street WC1E 6BT London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 1 500 000,00 Address Gower street WC1E 6BT London See on map Region London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
