Project
Mycobacteria
are intracellular pathogens that evade the bacteriocidic capabilities of
their host cells, the macrophages and dendritic cells. These antigen
presenting cells have several receptors through which mycobacteria and
their antigens can be taken up. We are in the process of identifying
receptors for one group of those antigens, the mycobacterial heatshock
proteins. We aim to use this knowledge in further studies on pathogenesis
and vaccine development.
This project is in collaboration with the Proteomics Centre of Prof.dr. A.
Heck.
Cell
culture techniques
Protein approach: isolation of receptor proteins from plasma membranes of
antigen presenting cells, affinity chromatography, gelelectrophoresis (1D,
2D), protein identification (western blotting, mass spec (in collaboration
with faculty of pharmacy/proteomics) Expression library approach: COS cell
library expressing cDNA’s from antigens presenting cells. Screening (flowcytometry)
of recombinants. Enrichment and identification of gene’s involved (molecular
biology basics & sequencing)
9 months
Contact
Dr.
Ad Koets, e-mail: a.p.koets@vet.uu.nl
More info