Investigation of the fundamental roles of class Ib MHC molecules in immunity

Recognition of classical MHC class I molecules by CD8 T cells has long been known to represent an integral component of the adaptive immune response to pathogens. In contrast, the immunological roles of non-classical class I molecules are only just beginning to be understood. This study aims to determine the structure of several non-classical MHC molecules and their fundamental ligands using X-ray crystallography, and combine this structural data with biophysical data. Ultimately this proposal aims to provide an understanding of the function of these molecules in innate and adaptive immunity.