Grant: Operating Grant

B cells are an important component of the immune response. These cells are the targets of vaccination strategies as they produce molecules known as antibodies, which are important for the destruction and clearance of pathogens. In order to produce antibodies, B cells must undergo a process of activation which is triggered upon recognition of a pathogen. The process of B cell activation involves the coordination of several molecules that ultimately direct B cells to produce antibodies. Interestingly, these molecules assemble into a spatially distinct compartment within the cell, which serves to signal to other parts of the cell; communications that are essential for the production of antibodies. Despite this essential feature of activation, we understand very little about how this spatially distinct compartment of signalling is formed and maintained. This project is focused on identifying the mechanisms which organize these spatially discrete regions of activation, using cutting edge imaging techniques to visualize these processes in live cells. These studies are not only important for understanding how to efficiently activate B cells to produce antibodies, but also because dysregulation of B cell activation can result in B cell malignancies or autoimmune disease. Thus, this research could impact on the development of effective vaccines or novel therapeutics to modulate the B cell response.