Signalling pathways that control T cell metabolism and T cell fate

T lymphocytes are a subpopulation of white blood cells that control the immune system and fight viruses, bacteria and tumours. When white blood cells fail to function correctly the immune system fails, usually resulting in death. 

We will characterise molecules that act as messengers inside lymphocytes to regulate their behaviour and examine how white blood cells are controlled by the supply of oxygen and key nutrients, particularly glucose and iron.

These studies will generate new information about mechanisms that control immune responses and identify new drug targets for therapeutic intervention in the immune system and treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.