A Biochemical and Structural Investigation into the γδ T Cell Receptor

The human immune system plays a crucial role in health, safeguarding against disease and infection. Central to this protection is the ability of immune cells to distinguish ‘healthy’ and ‘diseased’ cells. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning such recognition is incomplete. My Thesis sought to understand how a class of T cells (γδ T cells) recognise potential infection. Using high-resolution imaging we revealed the molecular mechanisms T cells use to recognise bacterial infection. Complementary work informed how these molecular recognition events may lead to an immune response. These discoveries could pave the way for immunotherapeutic development of such T cells.