Research

Area 1

Immune receptors of the innate and adaptive system

Team leader

Strategic objectives

  1. Genetic and molecular characterization of receptors of both the innate and adaptive immune system.
  2. Functional characterization of the ligand- receptor interactions responsible for intercellular communication between the innate and adaptive immune system components.
  3. Molecular characterization of pathogen-host interactions.
  4. Molecular characterization of the biology, pathogenesis and immunology of cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Main lines of research

  1. Study of the structure and function of the SLAM (Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule) and SAP (SLAM-Associated Protein) leukocyte molecule families.
  2. Identification and characterization of leukocyte receptors and intracellular ligands of the 3BP2 adaptor molecule. Molecular dissection of the 3BP2 signaling pathways in lymphocytes.
  3. Study of the molecules that intervene in leukocyte adhesion and inflammation.
  4. Immunogenetics of receptors and molecules implicated in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses.
  5. Study of the role of the CD5 and CD6 receptors in lymphocyte activation and differentiation.
  6. Molecular and functional characterization of nonlymphoid members of the superfamily of receptors with extracellular domains rich in cysteine (SRCR, Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich) residues.
  7. Characterization of the genic regulation mechanisms of CMV and identification of functions encoded for by CMV.
  8. Study of CMV mediated modulation of immune response and immune evasion strategies

Grups

Molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of CMV disease. (Emergent)

ANGULO, ANA

(IDIBAPS)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an ubiquitous pathogen that establishes latent infections for life – with serious consequences for immune-compromised individuals. The group studies different aspects of the interactions between CMV and the host, with special emphasis on the mechanisms that regulate viral genic expression, the determination of new functions encoded by the virus, and the identification of processes of interference with the immune system.