Role of Fc receptors in bacterial immune evasion

Abstract

The goal of this project will be to : 1) Characterize the interaction between S. pneumonia and CD89 and analyze its role in vivo in the bacterial invasion through activation of ITAMi signaling using CD89 transgenic models. The role of C reactive protein, a new CD89 ligand, will be also analyzed. 2) Identify bacterial partners of CD16 and CD89 using phage display techniques. We will initially characterize the tridimensional CD16 and E. coli interaction site and investigate if similar approach can be used to elucidate inhibitory signals by different bacteria, such as those following S. pneumonia interaction with the CD89 receptor. 3) Develop new therapeutic tools for sepsis through different blockade approaches of bacterial-receptor interaction and/or ITAMi pathway. (AU)