The goal of this research is to understand how the structure of the T-cell receptor determines its range of signaling capabilities. The investigator has chosen a genetic approach to determine which structures of the T-cell receptor (TCR) beta chain are important for signaling in T-cell development and in antigen recognition. The investigator will mutate specific domains and residues of the TCR beta chain and determine the effects of these mutations on T-cell development in thymic organ culture using retroviral vectors, and in transgenic/chimeric mice. Effects of TCR beta chain mutations on T-cell signaling will be measured in T-cell hybridomas and clones recognizing altered peptide ligands. Mutations will be introduced into the transmembrane domain, the variable and constant domain interface, and the constant domain loop.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29AI036453-04
Application #
2886938
Study Section
Immunobiology Study Section (IMB)
Program Officer
Quill, Helen R
Project Start
1996-06-01
Project End
1999-10-31
Budget Start
1999-06-01
Budget End
1999-10-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Wistar Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104