Our investigations are aimed at understanding the molecular recognition properties governing the interactions of receptors with their ligands, and the subsequent molecular events which couple ligand recognition to receptor activation. Many of the systems we are studying in the laboratory are related to the interaction of the host with the environment.
The structural studies are complemented by functional approaches using molecular biology and protein engineering to dissect the structural information, design new or altered proteins with modified specificities and activities, and ultimately contribute to the development of proteins or molecules with therapeutic potential.
Molecules currently under study include receptors of the immune system involved in autoimmune disorders T cell receptors, co-receptors, MHC, cytokines , proteins involved in host-pathogen interactions and molecular mimicry CMV and Toxoplasma surface antigens , proteins of nervous system peptide hormone receptors, neural guidance proteins , and membrane proteins chemokine receptors.
An emerging focus of our research is to develop. The purpose of this study is provide a better understanding of the adaptive immune response to the licensed flu vaccines. The investigators hope the information learned from this study will help identify and describe important factors of influenza immunity especially of or specific proteins associated with the T-cell immune response.
View full details. T cell receptor TCR mimics offer a promising platform for tumor-specific targeting of peptide-MHC in cancer immunotherapy. View details for DOI View details for PubMedID We demonstrate rapid generation of TRACeR-II binders to multiple molecules with affinities in the low-nanomolar to low-micromolar range, comparable to best-in-class TCRs and antibodies.
