Kurzfassung

Since arginine availability is crucial for full T cell activation, we have started to analyse how this amino acid is transported into human T lymphocytes and other immune cells. While the complexity and diversity of Cationic Amino Acid Transporters (CATs) and Heteromeric Amino Acid Transporters (HATs) is well appreciated in various mammalian tissues, practically nothing is known about the expression and regulation of potential arginine transport proteins in primary human T cells. We have...Since arginine availability is crucial for full T cell activation, we have started to analyse how this amino acid is transported into human T lymphocytes and other immune cells. While the complexity and diversity of Cationic Amino Acid Transporters (CATs) and Heteromeric Amino Acid Transporters (HATs) is well appreciated in various mammalian tissues, practically nothing is known about the expression and regulation of potential arginine transport proteins in primary human T cells. We have joined forces with the group of Prof. Dr. Ellen Closs (Institute of Pharmacology) here in Mainz in order to bring light into this black box. The identification of the relevant arginine transport proteins in human immune cells will not only lead to a better understanding of the regulation of adaptive immune responses but will also potentially identify novel target structures for immunosuppressive pharmacological interference with immune cell function.
 » weiterlesen» einklappen