Investigation of Cytokine Signaling in the Immune System

We combine quantitative experimental measurements of immune cells with mathematical models to systematically study the body’s anti-viral response. In particular, we are looking at how immune cells communicate with each other to coordinate an immune response. We want to understand how biochemical reactions in the cell can be used to process the complicated pattern of signals which orchestrate immune activity. Our approach is to search for signatures in the cascade of events which occur inside a cell after a signal is received. We use high-throughput experimental techniques to track these event over time, and mathematical models to identify signatures which the cell can use to respond appropriately during an infection. Our research provides a framework for studying cellular signal processing and engineering effective immune therapies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anton Zilman

Student:

Partner:

National Institutes of Health

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: