Role of the chemokine receptor CXCR6 in inflammatory autoimmune disease

Leukocytes are critical players in the defense systems that identify and eliminate foreign pathogens and abnormal cells from the body. Their activation and localization in different tissues are directed by a carefully orchestrated series of cell-cell interactions and stimulatory signals. However, there are times when excessive or inappropriate leukocyte responses can lead to disease and tissue injury (eg. arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and transplant rejection). Understanding the molecular and biophysical mechanisms that regulate leukocyte localization and activation in tissues will be the focus of this research program, with the goal of identifying therapeutically relevant pathways for inflammatory diseases. In particular, the current grant will focus on the role of CXCR6 (a molecule that mediates cell-cell interactions and stimulatory signals in leukocytes) in the development and pathogenesis of arthritis. It is likely that the knowledge gained form this research will be of relevance to other disease states as well.