Grant: Project Grant

Natural killer cells (NK cells) are a type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) and a component of our innate immune system; and serve as a principal cytotoxic cells on early stages of infection. Upon infection, the inflammatory signals induce a metabolic change in immune cells as they shift from a quiescent status to an activated status, resulting in increased proliferation, and effector molecule production. We reasoned that metabolic demands for intense NK cell proliferation during infection can be fulfilled by high expression of nutrient transporters by cytokines (small soluble mediators). The current project is focused on crosstalk among enhanced nutrient demand, modulation of nutrient transporters, and their regulation by cytokines during infections. NK cells are at the forefront of immunology, and the results of this investigation will help us to modulate immune reactions, thereby providing new insights for therapeutic intervention during infection and inflammation.