Exploring the Scope and Mechanism of Immune-Suppression by a Novel P-Rex1 Interacting Protein

Initially, the student will test the ability of PIP-deficient and PIP/Prex1 deficient neutrophils to migrate by chemotaxis and chemokinesis. The student will use isolated neutrophils from wild-type, PIP-deficient and PIP/Prex1 deficient mice to evaluate receptor trafficking and the principal signalling pathways and effector responses, employing various techniques such as imaging, western blotting and flow cytometry. S/he will use affinity reagents and mass spectrometry to identify molecular targets of PIP in neutrophils. S/he will also assess neutrophil recruitment to inflamed and infected tissues and the capacity to kill pathogens, using methods such as lavages, histology and intravital microscopy. Thus, s/he will become an expert in signalling, trafficking, leukocyte biology and innate immunity. Moreover, his/her findings may have significant impact on future treatment strategies in inflammatory diseases that are exacerbated by excessively recruited and activated neutrophils