Dynamics of polarization of T cells and NK cells (A02)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 200049484

T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are polarized during migration and elimination of target cells. We will investigate how their capability to eliminate tumor cells (including intracellular killing machineries, migration and searching strategies) is regulated by extracellular factors under a physiologically relevant three-dimensional condition, with a special focus on a three-dimensional collagen matrix with different mechanical properties and dynamic structures, collective behavior, and the respective molecular mecha-nisms. The outcomes can inspire new strategies to optimize functional biomaterials and therapeutic ap-proaches for the treatment of patients.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1027: Physical Modelling of Non-Equilibrium Processes in Biological Systems
• Applicant Institution: Universität des Saarlandes
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Markus Hoth, until 6/2021; Dr. Bin Qu