Targeting TCR and Co-Receptor Signalling in T Cells Using Engineered Ligands

Host

Inês Ramos, PhD, Tissue Immunity

Venue

Seminar room

Abstract

T cell activation is governed by a finely tuned interplay between the T cell receptor (TCR) and an array of co-receptors that integrate stimulatory and inhibitory signals. In this talk, I will describe our lab’s recent advances in characterising the antigen specificity and cross-reactivity patterns of TCRs involved in inflammation and cancer. Additionally, I will present our lab’s recent efforts to elucidate the antigen specificities of TCRs implicated in inflammation and cancer, including approaches for mapping TCR cross-reactivity. I will also discuss our strategy of using engineered ligands to modulate signalling by inducing proximity between surface receptors, including bispecific proteins that recruit phosphatases to inhibitory receptors like PD-1. These approaches offer novel ways to tune T cell responses in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Biography

Dr. Ricardo Fernandes leads the Immune Signalling in Health and Disease Group at the CAMS Oxford Institute and the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford. He completed his PhD in Prof. Simon Davis Lab (Oxford), where he studied the mechanistic basis of T cell receptor (TCR) triggering. He later moved to Stanford for his postdoctoral work, where he developed new strategies for antigen discovery and the inhibition of immune checkpoints. His current research integrates protein engineering, structural biology, and immunology to explore T cell signalling dynamics and design novel tools to modulate immune function in the contexts of autoimmunity and cancer.

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About CR Colloquia Series

Champalimaud Research (CR) Colloquia Series is a seminar programme organised by the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown to promote the discussion about the most interesting and significant questions in neuroscience and physiology & cancer with appointed speakers by the CR Community.