Signalling Mechanisms Controlling Recruitment of White Blood Cells in Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection. A key feature of inflamed tissues is the accumulation of leukocytes (white blood cells), which carry out a variety of defence and tissue repair functions. However, excessive or inappropriate leukocyte recruitment can give rise to the chronic pain and tissue damage observed in inflammatory diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors controlling leukocyte recruitment and to develop novel ways of suppressing these mechanisms. Leukocyte recruitment in inflammation is regulated by chemokines, which are secreted at the site of injury or infection and then activate chemokine receptors, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed on the target leukocytes. In this project, we are studying the molecular details of how chemokines induce transmembrane signalling by their receptors and the intracellular signalling pathways that are activated by chemokine-receptor interactions. These studies will provide a solid mechanistic foundation for future development of selective therapeutic interventions. Training Opportunities: Students involved in this project will develop high-level critical thinking, project planning and communication skills as well as a variety of technical skills in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology and bioinformatics.