Study that regulate T-lymphocyte

Nuno Lages Alves

Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal

T-lymphocytes are a type of immune cell present in the blood that protect the body against infectious diseases. As we age, they become increasingly less effective in fighting infections and less responsive to vaccines. T-lymphocytes are generated in the thymus, which makes this a key organ in the establishment of anti-microbial immune responses. Thymus function deteriorates with age, which has a significant impact on older individuals and immunocompromised patients, such as those suffering from cancer or who have recently undergone a bone marrow transplant.

This project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate the generation of T-lymphocytes in the thymus and, as a result, control the functioning of this organ. The knowledge gained will be used to improve the design of immunotherapies for treating infectious diseases, as well as immunodeficiencies and tumours. To achieve this goal, the team will conduct research at various levels, ranging from analyses at the cellular level to the study of infection models in mice, all aimed at investigating the function of the thymus in vivo.

The molecular regulation of T cell development in the thymus: Implications for infectious diseases

€499,005.00