Qingkang Lyu, Ph.D
Utrecht University, 2021
Dr. Lyu is working on two projects, integrin activation and T cell population identification.
Integrin activation is essential for neutrophil and monocyte rolling, arrest, adhesion and transmigration. Kindlin3 and talin1 are well-known to be required for integrin activation. However, the exact mechanism of integrin activation has not been fully understood. By using quantitative dynamic footprint microscope, Co-ip, and intravital microscopy, we aim to visualize the dynamics of kindlin3 and talin1in vivo and vitroin neutrophil during integrin activation, and figure out protein interactome during integrin activation.
Cytotoxic T cells are critical for eliminating infected cells. The Ley lab recently found a new population of cytotoxic CD4 T cells that seem to be important in chronic inflammatory disease and auto-immune diseases. In this project, we aim to identify how CD4 cytotoxic T cells develop and function.