D. Branch Moody


Brigham and Women's Hospital
Smith Building 514
1 Jimmy Fund Way
Boston, MA 02115
Tel: 617-525-1037
Fax: 617-525-1010
email: bmoody@rics.bwh.harvard.edu

 

Using humans as a model system, we conduct basic research into the cellular mechanisms by which CD1 proteins, MHC class II proteins and Toll-like receptors control T cell activation. CD1 proteins are a family of evolutionarily conserved antigen presenting molecules that bind lipid antigens for presentation to T cells. Using mass spectrometry to study the lipid content of the cell wall of M. tuberculosis, we have discovered of lipid ligands for CD1a, CD1b, CD1c and CD1d proteins. Using these model antigens, we are studying the cellular mechanisms of lipid loading onto CD1 proteins in endosomal compartments of dendritic ells and the roles of Toll-like receptors in promoting cellular antigen presentation. Through the Department of Medicine at the Brigham and Women’s hospital, we are using these lipids to study the function of CD1-restricted T cells in human patients with tuberculosis, autoimmune thyroiditis and drug hypersensitivity reactions. Our overall goal is to develop a basic understanding of the cellular mechanisms that allow T cells to discriminate among self and foreign antigens, so that these molecules can be developed as immunomodulatory agents and vaccines for treatment of patients.

 

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Immunology webpage updated 12/02/2009