Gringhuis S.I.: C-type lectin signaling in infection and immunity

Dendritic cells initiate adaptive immune responses to combat infections. C-type lectins are crucial in pathogen recognition and in shaping adaptive immunity. However, little is known about the molecular signaling pathways that are induced by C-type lectins upon pathogen binding. My research focuses on the identification of signaling pathways induced by C-type lectins and how these signaling pathways lead to pathogen-specific T cell polarization. Furthermore, we investigate whether these signaling pathways are involved in the induction of aberrant immune responses as observed during asthma or allergy.