Obiettivo High-resolution microscope images of immune cells contacting other cells have revealed temporary membrane structures, often called immune synapses (IS). Proteins commonly segregate into specific regions at the contacts between cells, and exploring how such changing arrangements of proteins occur and how they control immune cell communication is the new science opened up by the immune synapse concept. Over the last decade the use of monoclonal antibodies has revolutionised the treatment of severe human diseases, such as non hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One way that these antibodies work is by triggering Natural Killer cells to directly kill diseased target cells. Typically antibodies have been used to either block ligand receptor interactions or to evoke antibody effector function and kill malignant target cells by antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). Crucially, nobody has yet determined what happens at IS when antibodies trigger killing of diseased cells. Through this project we will focus our research to improve our basic understanding of the molecular dynamics that occur during ADCC and to investigate antibodies specifically engineered to enhance ADCC. Here, we plan to use state-of-the-art technologies to image IS during antibody-mediated killing with a view to learning how to best optimize antibodies for this function. Specifically, the spatial relationship and segregation of proteins at the submicrometer scale will be determined during ADCC and compared for the different antibodies and model systems developed. This will establish what determines the efficiency of ADCC and will facilitate the rational design of modified antibodies for optimal medical use. This project will benefit from the knowledge and experience in imaging and cell biology techniques gained by the researcher during her initial training. It will also provide the researcher with invaluable new experience adding to her career development. Campo scientifico medical and health sciencesclinical medicinerheumatologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunology Programma(i) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Argomento(i) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants" Invito a presentare proposte FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento MC-ERG - European Re-integration Grants (ERG) Coordinatore IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE Contributo UE € 37 500,00 Indirizzo SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON Regno Unito Mostra sulla mappa Regione London Inner London — West Westminster Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contatto amministrativo Brooke Alasya (Ms.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato