Our main interest is to better understand the cellular and molecular basis for generation and maintenance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the suppression of autoimmunities and/or allergies in mouse models. We have been using intravital microscopy as the starting point for the in vivo imaging of Tregs. The use of a multi-photon microscope, the development of new intravital surgical tecniques and tools, and use of animal models that develop autoimmune and allergic diseases, we are evaluating what and where the important cell-cell contacts for Tregs generation/function happen. We hope that a better comprehension of generation and function of these Tregs will be crucial for the development of new therapies against human autoimmune and allergic diseases. Our lab is located at the Unit of Cell Imaging, IGC, Portugal.
“Intravital imaging of naturally occurring Tregs in the thymus”
Brief description
In my project I will image naturally occurring Tregs inside a living thymus using a multi-photon microscope. The observation of cell-cell contacts between “wanna-be” Tregs and dendritic cells after different in vivo stimulation of thymocytes is a new approach to better understand nTregs generation.
e-mail
acjulio@igc.gulbenkian.pt
Name
Ana Vaz
Position
M. Sc. Student
Project
“Effect of different types of Tregs in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)”
Brief description
Tregs are necessary to suppress the immune response against self-antigens. In my project I will compare the effect of MBP-specific Tregs versus Polyclonal-specific Tregs in the control of spontaneous EAE development and suppression of Th1/Th17 cells.
