Nitric Oxide and Adaptive Immunity

Nitric oxide (NO)  is a key mediator of inflammation; however, its functional involvement in the development and progression of inflammatory processes associated with adaptive immune responses is less known. The propossed research will focus in the study of the role played by NO in the activation and differentiation of human T lymphocytes. Main objectives of our offer will be: i) To study the actions exerted by NO on the activation of human T lymphocytes, analyzing gene expression and activation of transcription factors triggered from the T cell receptor (TcR), and the specific cytokine pattern resulting from the action exerted by NO on the differentiation of T lymphocytes.  ii) To explore the mechanisms by which NO can regulate T cell activation and differentiation, focusing on the organization of signaling and adhesion receptors at the immune synapse of T helper cells, and studying the modification, location and function of interleukin receptors involved in their programs of differentiation.