Role of RAB2A, RAB5A, RAB17 andRAB18 in effector functions of cytotoxic cells.

Author(s)

Narciso Junior Vieira

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2016-11-24

Examining board members

Joao Gustavo Pessini Amarante Mendes; Bruna Cunha de Alencar Bargieri; Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara; Priscila Martins Andrade Denapoli; Merari de Fatima Ramires Ferrari

• Advisor: Joao Gustavo Pessini Amarante Mendes

Abstract

CD8 T lymphocytes and NK cells fight against infections by intracellular bacteria, viruses and tumor cells by killing those cells through the secretion of cytotoxic granules. RAB GTPase has been highlighted in studies of intracellular trafficking, however there are scarce reports regarding the role of these proteins in cytotoxic cells. A proteomic study performed by our group identified RAB2A, RAB5A, RAB17 and RAB18 in cytotoxic granules. Further analysis revealed that RAB2A is associated with LAMP-1 and LAMP-2, while RAB5A, RAB17 and RAB18 were present in the same cell line, but in a context not included in this study. We also have developed a gene silencing approach for RAB2A and adapted a number of protocols, simple and low-cost, that can be used to evaluate effector functions of natural killer cells The knowledge of secretory machinery involved in the movement cytotoxic granules of cytotoxic cells is critical, since defects in intracellular trafficking pathways constitute the basis for a large number of diseases which trigger death. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/20352-3 - Role of rab2a, rab5a, rab17 and rab18 in effector function of cytotoxic cells
• Grantee: Narciso Junior Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)