Objective Research objectives and content One of the fundamental questions in developmental biology is how a differentiating cell decides between alternative fates. Among the most important for T lymphocyte is the commitment of immature double-positive (CD4+CD8+) thymocytes to the CD4 or the CD8 lineages. The interaction between the T cell receptor (TCR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules of the thymus is central to this decision but the data are controversial and this mechanism remains obscure. Recent evidence indicates that the quality of TCR-MHC interaction could determine the lineage commitment. My project will test this hypothesis by investigating the influence of the TCR-MHC affinity on the decision to become a CD4 or a CD8 T cell. I will use an alphabetaTCR transgenic mouse system in which the TCR specificity will be constrained but the affinity of the TCR -MHC interaction will be variable. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) This project will provide me the opportunity to become familiar with several techniques of molecular biology, embryonic stem cells, transgenic mice and a range of immunological techniques. It will provide me also the possibility to frequently participate in excellent scientific discussions in a wide variety of areas of life sciences. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesdevelopmental biologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology Programme(s) FP4-TMR - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of the training and mobility of researchers, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 0302 - Post-doctoral research training grants TL07 - Immunology and Cancer Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships) Coordinator CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE EU contribution No data Address Rue Laurent Fries 1 67404 ILLKIRCH GRAFFENSTADEN France See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Not available Portugal EU contribution No data Address See on map Total cost No data
