Grant: Operating Grant

In order to develop vaccines and treatments for diseases where the immune system malfunctions (such as autoimmunity), we need to better understand the fundamental mechanisms governing immune responses. Our research deals with B lymphocytes, the cells of the immune system responsible for producing antibodies, which are specialized proteins that bind to microorganisms (the antigen) and target them for destruction by the immune system. B lymphocytes express receptor proteins on their cell surface which allow them to sense the presence of antigens, tissue damage and other activated cells. Signals from these receptors determine whether individual B lymphocytes divide to produce more copies of themselves, differentiate to become antibody secreting factories or die by cell suicide. Receptors also provide signals telling the cells where to go within the body during an immune response. Cell surface receptors deliver signals to the interior of the cell through another set of proteins known as signal transduction proteins. Our research aims to define the molecular signaling pathways that regulate the activities of B lymphocytes during normal and abnormal immune responses. Genetic and biochemical evidence has implicated certain signaling pathways in controlling the balance between healthy responses and over-active pathological responses observed in autoimmune diseases such as lupus for example. Mapping these pathways in detail is essential to understand why immune cells go awry and determining how to intervene to restore normal immune function.