Defining the immunological roles of stromal cells within lymphoid tissues. The populations of endothelial and mesenchymal cells that construct the lymphoid tissues are being revealed as key players in the priming and orchestration of immune responses. Yet, fundamental knowledge of the molecular makeup and the functions of these stromal cells, particularly their roles in immune responses, is sorely lacking. This project will utilise a multidisciplinary approach including advanced imaging and bioi ....Defining the immunological roles of stromal cells within lymphoid tissues. The populations of endothelial and mesenchymal cells that construct the lymphoid tissues are being revealed as key players in the priming and orchestration of immune responses. Yet, fundamental knowledge of the molecular makeup and the functions of these stromal cells, particularly their roles in immune responses, is sorely lacking. This project will utilise a multidisciplinary approach including advanced imaging and bioinformatics to dissect the functions of the lymphoid stromal cells and their roles in the swelling of lymphoid tissues during immune responses. This will provide vital information about the biology of these understudied cells and reveal the ways in which they support the generation of immunity.Read moreRead less
How enhancers regulate T cell differentiation and function. This project aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activity of transcriptional enhancers needed for effective immune cell differentiation. Adaptive immune cell activation starts a programme of differentiation that acquires and maintains lineage-specific effector function. Using a multidisciplinary approach including cellular and chromatin biology, advanced bioinformatics, targeted genome editing and nanotechnology, ....How enhancers regulate T cell differentiation and function. This project aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activity of transcriptional enhancers needed for effective immune cell differentiation. Adaptive immune cell activation starts a programme of differentiation that acquires and maintains lineage-specific effector function. Using a multidisciplinary approach including cellular and chromatin biology, advanced bioinformatics, targeted genome editing and nanotechnology, this project expects to provide insights into non-coding regulatory element reprogramming and control of immune cell function and memory with implications for understanding general cellular differentiation.Read moreRead less
Unraveling the chromatin networks that control T lymphocyte differentiation. The development of T cell responses is essential for fighting infection but in some cases T cells can also cause allergy and autoimmune diseases. Previous research has shown by understanding the complex chromatin circuitry that underlie T cell function, therapies can be designed to rewire harmful T cells. This project will use a multi-disciplinary approach that combines expertise in cutting-edge molecular techniques wit ....Unraveling the chromatin networks that control T lymphocyte differentiation. The development of T cell responses is essential for fighting infection but in some cases T cells can also cause allergy and autoimmune diseases. Previous research has shown by understanding the complex chromatin circuitry that underlie T cell function, therapies can be designed to rewire harmful T cells. This project will use a multi-disciplinary approach that combines expertise in cutting-edge molecular techniques with unique mouse models and bioinformatics to develop a fundamental understanding of the chromatin architecture and epigenetic networks that control important steps of T cell differentiation during development, allergy and infection.Read moreRead less