Lecture Overview
In his first lecture, Dustin explains that adaptive immunity allows an individual to specifically recognize and respond to a vast number of molecules. B cells recognize intact antigens and produce neutralizing antibodies. T cells, on the other hand, have receptors on their surface that recognize very small antigen fragments bound to MHC on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APC). Dustin explains that T cells overcome the challenges of finding and binding to the APCs with the help of a multitude of adhesion molecules. Once the T cell receptor has bound a peptide antigen, an immunological synapse, with its typical bulls-eye structure, is formed resulting in T cell activation.
In Part 2, Dustin describes how a reconstituted system has allowed the immunological synapse to be studied in molecular detail. It is possible to visualize the localization of signaling molecules such as kinases, and determine the role of the actin cytoskeleton in regulating this localization. Dustin also touches on the role of the immunological synapse in autoimmune disease and cancer.
In his last lecture, Dustin presents work from his lab showing that T cell receptor enriched vesicles are generated in the immunological synapse. These vesicles can be transferred to B cells leading to activation of the B cells and, potentially, the production of higher specificity antibodies.
Speaker Bio
Michael Dustin is Professor of Immunology and Director of Research at The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology at the University of Oxford. Prior to joining the Kennedy Institute, Dustin was a faculty member at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine at New York University from 2001-2013 and at Washington University School of Medicine from 1993-2000. Dustin received his BA in Biology from Boston University and his PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University.
As described in his iBioSeminar, Dustin’s lab studies the molecular events that take place at the immunological synapse. Future research will focus on developing therapies targeted to the immunological synapse to cure chronic inflammatory illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Dustin is an active participant in the immunology community; he is a member of numerous grant review committees and journal editorial boards. His research has been recognized with many awards including the 2000 Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering and the 2012 DART-NYU Biotechnology Achievement Award.
Medical and Patient education videos
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Title
Description
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News article made for the regional BBC TV program North West Tonight during the 7th Advances Against Aspergillosis Meeting in Manchester, UK. March 3rd 2016.
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Dr Ritesh Argawal discusses fungal sinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) with patients.
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Dr Richard Moss discusses allergic Aspergillosis, Asthma, children affected by Aspergillus + Q & A with patients.
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Darius Armstrong-James discusses a new aspergillosis clinic in the South East + Q & A with patients.
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BBC ran an awareness story during the Advances Against Aspergillosis conference in Manchester, UK about the dangers to our health posed by Aspergillus and some of the most common ways the fungus can grow and multiply in our homes. Ann Saunders and Prof David Denning, Director of the National Aspergillosis Centre helped discuss the issues.
Estimated audience at 7.40am is 1.5 million.
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The international Advances Against Aspergillosis conference came to Manchester this year (2016) and brought together the aspergillosis medical, scientific and patient communities for the first time in two years. Much progress was discussed and reported, awareness reaching 5 million people via UK TV BBC1 during the meeting.
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ERS Vision: Take the Active Option: the benefits of exercise in respiratory medicine
