MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
Katrin Rittinger group
Structural biology of signalling networks that regulate innate and adaptive immunity
The innate immune response constitutes the first line of defence against invading micro-organisms. Pathogen recognition is mediated by specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that activate diverse signalling pathways and initiate a pro-inflammatory response. These signalling events need to be tightly controlled as misregulation can lead to chronic inflammation and auto-immune disease. Innate immune responses can also trigger adaptive immunity and the two systems are linked through complex signalling networks.
Our research is focused on characterisation of the structural and mechanistic properties of protein complexes that regulate signalling in innate and adaptive immunity. We are currently studying members of the NLR (NOD-like receptor) family of intracellular pattern recognition receptors. NLRs respond to the presence of bacteria and danger signals by triggering cytokine production and the activation of MAP kinases and the transcription factor NF-κB. In addition, we are examining the mechanism of activation of the IKK complex, a key regulator of NF-κB. Furthermore, we are investigating the role and regulation of Vav1, an activator of small Rho-family GTPases, in T cell development and signalling.
Signalling through NLRs
Click image to view at full-size
Signalling through NLRs
Binding of di-ubiquitin to NEMO
Click image to view at full-size
Binding of di-ubiquitin to NEMO monitored by ITC and AUC
Selected publications
- Ivins, FJ; Montgomery, MG; Smith, SJ; Morris-Davies, AC; Taylor, IA and Rittinger, K (2009)
NEMO oligomerisation and its ubiquitin-binding properties.
Biochemical Journal 421, 243-251 PubMed abstract - Rapley, J; Tybulewicz, VLJ and Rittinger, K (2008)
Crucial structural role for the PH and C1 domains of the Vav1 exchange factor.
EMBO Reports 9, 655-661 PubMed abstract - Groemping, Y., Lapouge, K., Smerdon, S. J., and Rittinger, K. (2003)
Molecular basis of phosphorylation-induced activation of the NADPH oxidase.
Cell 113, 343-355 PubMed abstract
Our research themes
Click links to view others working on these themes
© MRC National Institute for Medical Research
The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA
Top of page