This study involves a subset of T-cells, the gamma-delta T- cells, whose existence was unknown less than a decade ago. Although the function of gamma/delta T-cells in the immune system is still unclear, recent advancements in the field indicate that these cells may be vitally important in some disease conditions. The broad, long-term objective of the study described in this application is to understand the immunological function of gamma-delta T-cells, focusing on the nature of antigen recognition in these cells. The hypothesis is that gamma/delta T-cells, though similar to the long-studied alpha/beta T- cells in many respects, exist as a distinct, evolutionarily conserved subset because they provide a unique immune function directly related to their mechanism of antigen recognition. This study proposes to investigate this question through the following specific aims: 1. To determine which portions of the TCR expressed by HSP-60 reactive gamma/delta T-cells directly contact the stimulatory ligand. 2. To investigate whether a presenting molecule is involved in antigen recognition by a group of gamma-delta T-cells, the HSP-60 reactive subset. 3. To investigate the functional abilities of normal HSP-60 reactive gamma/delta T- cells. 4. To examine the biological role of HSP-60 reactive gamma/delta T- cells in a bacterial infection model.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Modified Research Career Development Award (K04)
Project #
5K04AI001291-02
Application #
2057553
Study Section
Immunobiology Study Section (IMB)
Project Start
1994-09-30
Project End
1999-08-31
Budget Start
1995-09-01
Budget End
1996-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
National Jewish Health
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Denver
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80206
Cady, C T; Lahn, M; Vollmer, M et al. (2000) Response of murine gamma delta T cells to the synthetic polypeptide poly-Glu50Tyr50. J Immunol 165:1790-8
Born, W K; Lahn, M; Takeda, K et al. (2000) Role of gammadelta T cells in protecting normal airway function. Respir Res 1:151-8
Lahn, M; Kanehiro, A; Takeda, K et al. (1999) Negative regulation of airway responsiveness that is dependent on gammadelta T cells and independent of alphabeta T cells. Nat Med 5:1150-6