My research project focuses on understanding
how the innate immune system senses and detects
the presence of bacteria. Specifically, I plan
to study the Nod2 receptor protein that is proposed
to interact with digested fragments of the cell
wall, leading to an immunological response. The
first goal of our research is to identify how
the proposed ligand, muramyl-dipeptide (MDP)
activates Nod2. Using a combination of chemical
synthesis, biochemical experiments and cross-linking
reagents, we will determine if MDP activates
Nod2 through a direct interaction or via other
proteins. We will also identify protein complexes
that contain Nod2 and determine how these complexes
change when exposed to ligands.
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