Infection and Immunity
Infection and Immunity
The following groups perform research in this area:
Molecular mechanisms of T cell activation and differentiation
We are interested in understanding how T cells, central actors of adaptive immune responses, become activated when they encounter foreign substances. Dissecting the molecular underpinning of this process may lead to the discovery new and more effective ways to diagnose, prevent and heal immune dysfunction...
DNA repair mechanisms and human disease
Our genome is constantly exposed to various types of DNA damage, both endogenous and exogenous. It has been estimated that the DNA in every cell of our body suffers thousands of DNA lesions per day, which, if left unattended, can lead to mutations and/or cell death. Our cells have evolved a variety of mechanisms to counteract...
Structural cell biology of bacterial biofilm formation
The majority of bacteria on earth do not exist as single isolated cells but rather form macroscopic, surface-attached, multi-cellular communities known as biofilms. Bacterial biofilms play a role in many diseases and infectious processes like cystic fibrosis and urinary tract infections. Biofilms may also form on...
Molecular interactions of leukoctye surface receptors
We study how immune regulation depends on molecular interactions of leukocyte surface receptors. The overall effect of a receptor can vary from activation to inhibition. It is critical to understand how this is controlled to interpret the role of a receptor in a complex biological system and for designing therapeutic...
Systems biology of cellular signalling in the immune system
Our laboratory is studying immune cell activation with a particular focus on T cells.
Exploring the interface between immunology and regenerative medicine
Although the dramatic increase in life expectancy over the past century is arguably one of medicine’s greatest successes, it is also responsible for the rising incidence of chronic and degenerative diseases throughout the developed world. The properties of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) offer an...
Influenza virus replication at the molecular level
Influenza viruses are important human and animal pathogens. They cause widespread clinical and veterinary disease and have a considerable economic impact. Our laboratory seeks to understand fundamental aspects of the structure and function of influenza viruses, as well as virus:host interactions including host responses...
Cell biology of intercellular signalling
The main questions we study are what cellular mechanisms regulate signalling between animal cells, and how does that signalling control biological functions like physiology, development and pathology?
Molecular cell biology of Leishmania
We study single-celled parasites called Leishmania, which cause disease in humans and animals in over 88 countries around the world. Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease, associated with poverty and conflict. There is currently no vaccine and an urgent need for better drug treatments.
Leishmania are...
Regulation of inflammatory responses in vivo
Inflammation is the response of vascularised tissues to injury, irritation and infection. The initial inflammatory response is localised to the site of injury, and is characterised by the rapid recruitment of plasma proteins and immune cells from the bloodstream. Acute inflammation typically lasts only a few days while...
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