Grant: Project Grant

In order to develop treatments for diseases where the immune system malfunctions (such as autoimmunity), we need to better understand the fundamental mechanisms governing immune cell responses. This project deals primarily with B lymphocytes: the cells of the immune system responsible for producing antibodies. B lymphocytes express receptor proteins on their cell surface which allow them to sense the presence of infectious agents, damaged cells and tissues, and other activated immune cells. Signals from these receptors trigger activation of B lymphocytes acutely during infections, or chronically in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Chronic activation of B cells leads to production of disease-causing antibodies and inflammatory mediators. The intracellular signaling networks that control B cell activation are not completely understood, but involve signal transduction enzymes and reprogramming of cellular metabolism to provide energy and synthesize molecules needed for either protective or damaging activities of these cells. Our research aims to define the cellular reprogramming signals that either switch on or switch off B lymphocytes, and how these networks are altered in chronic autoimmune disease.