The role of marginal B cells in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol, fat and immune cells deposits in large arteries. In the body, the main inflammatory modulators are called immune cells. We have recently discovered that a type of immune cell called marginal zone B (MZB) cells protect from atherosclerosis (Nus, Nat Med 2017). In response to a high cholesterol diet (HCD), MZB cells activate an atheroprotective programme limiting another immune cell subset called T follicular helper cells, which are detrimental for atherosclerosis. RNAseq identified several genes responsible for MZB cell activation to a HCD. Our preliminary data shows BCR signalling pathway as a main regulator. To get more insight and validate our in vivo results we need to develop an in vitro model to perform gene expression (qRT-PCR, RNAseq data analysis using Ingenuity) and protein analyses (flow cytometry, western blot) to determine the main targets downstream of BCR signalling pathway.

Faculty Supervisor:

Katey Rayner

Student:

Partner:

University of Cambridge

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: