The influence of TCR affinity for self-peptide on the quality and stability of CD8+ T cell anergy

T cells are specialized immune cells that protect us against infection and cancer. These cells express a molecule (known as the T cell receptor, or TCR) which recognizes a small portion of foreign or abnormal proteins presented on the surface of infected or cancer cells. The interaction between the TCR and this small protein fragment generally leads to the activation of T cells. A mechanism called tolerance ensures that T cells specific to our own native proteins (self) are either deleted or become unresponsive, preventing T cells from attacking healthy tissues which could lead to the establishment of autoimmune diseases. We hypothesize that T cell tolerance is induced and maintained differently based on how strong a T cell binds to self-protein fragments. Our preliminary data support this hypothesis and also suggest that the function of these tolerant T cells is impacted by regulatory cells, known as Tregs. The overarching goals of this exchange are (1) to further understand how Treg might play a role in the accumulation and function of tolerant T cells and (2) to explore possible molecular mechanisms that might aid in establishing this process.

Faculty Supervisor:

Heather Melichar

Student:

Partner:

Harvard University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: