About the Project
T cells are tuned to limit reactivity to self antigens while retaining responsiveness to foreign antigens. CD5 and CD6 are two related T cell surface receptors which are thought to contribute to such tuning. The aim of this project is to study how the extracellular and intracellular interactions of CD5 and CD6 contribute to their role in modulating T cell antigen recognition. Both these receptors are of interest as targets for immunotherapy and we are particularly interested in testing CD6 in the format of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). There is scope for using a variety of interdisciplinary techniques ranging from surface plasmon resonance to identify and characterise molecular interactions, cellular assays in which CD5 and CD6 are modified by genetic engineering and, in collaboration, fluorescent microscopy, in vivo models and mathematical modelling.
Funding Notes
4 Year DPhil Prize Studentships cover University and College fees, a stipend of ~£16,500 pa, and up to £5,300 pa for research costs and travel. The competition is open to applicants from all countries. Minimum criteria are a relevant degree with at least a 2.1 or equivalent result and if English is not the first language, the standard English language test prior to admission. See http://www.path.ox.ac.uk/content/students for full details and to apply.
References
1. P. E. Chappell, L. I. Garner, J. Yan, C. Metcalfe, D. Hatherley, S. Johnson, C. V. Robinson, S. M. Lea, M. H. Brown, Structures of CD6 and Its Ligand CD166 Give Insight into Their Interaction. Structure 23, 1426-1436 (2015).
2. O. Dushek, J. Goyette, P. A. van der Merwe, Non-catalytic tyrosine-phosphorylated receptors. Immunol Rev 250, 258-276 (2012).
3. N. J. Hassan, S. J. Simmonds, N. G. Clarkson, S. Hanrahan, M. J. Puklavec, M. Bomb, A. N. Barclay, M. H. Brown, CD6 Regulates T-Cell Responses through Activation-Dependent Recruitment of the Positive Regulator SLP-76. Mol. Cell. Biol. 26, 6727-6738 (2006).
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