Honors Program
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
Spring 3-12-2018
Citation
Lichter, B. M. (2018). Characterization of Metabolic Networks in Differentiated CD4 T Cells[Scholarly project]. In Digital Common @ University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play a critical role in the immune system and protecting the body from infection. Cell differentiation of T-cells leads to the specialization of the immune system and has been determined to have plasticity. Differentiation of the CD4+ T cells depends on cytokines present in the environment, concentration of antigens, types of antigen – presenting cells (APCs), and costimulatory molecules (Luckheeram, 2012). Commonly known differentiated T-cells include the T-helper 1 (Th1) and the T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. Upon CD4+ T cell activation, the cells undergo metabolic changes that allow for cell growth and division. By characterizing the metabolic network of these cells, we gain a better understanding of metabolic processes that are characteristic of each cell type. Expression data was gathered and used to identify essential genes within the differentiated cells. With statistical analysis of these cell’s gene expression and regulation, we can more fully understand each gene that plays a role in the differentiation of the naïve cell. Specifically, I will focus on the differentiation of Th2 cells from the naïve CD4+ T cell. With computational modeling, the metabolic network of Th2 cells was built.
Comments
Copyright Bailee Lichter 2018