Molecular mechanisms controlling peptide selection for immune recognition

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules present small fragments of proteins from within cells to alert the immune system to infection and cellular damage. Recently, we discovered that a new accessory protein, called TAPBPR, helps select the peptides presented for immunological surveillance. However, MHC molecules vary incredibly from person to person. This affects the ability of TAPBPR to work efficiently. We do not know the consequence this has yet on how individuals respond to infections and cancer.

We will explore how changes in both MHC molecules and TAPBPR affects the peptides presented to the immune system. We will explore exactly what TAPBPR does and how it works. We are all different when it comes to MHC and my laboratory are uncovering new layers of immunological individuality and complexity that has not yet been explored.

This work will help us understand the role of MHC molecules in disease and develop new treatments for cancer.