Structural basis of influenza A virus-specific CD8+ T cell Receptor Diversity [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Anthony Purcell (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Jamie Rossjohn ,  Prof Stephen Turner

Brief description Viral infection results in the activation and proliferation of virus-specific T cells that mediate clearance of virally infected cells. Recognition of virally infected cells is meditated by presentation of peptide fragments complexed to Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I glycoproteins. Virus-specific T cells recognise these viral protein fragments via a specific receptor expressed at the T cell surface. This proposal plans to examine the structural factors that determine influenza-specific T cell receptor recognition. From these studies, we plan to determine how these structural factors can influence the diversity of virus-specific T cells that are generated after viral infection. The conclusions from these studies will enable us to determine why some virus-specific T cell responses are not diverse and what are the consequences for virus-specific T cell immunity. This has implications for the development of novel vaccine strategies designed to induce immunity against both viral and tumour challenge.

Funding Amount $AUD 469,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant