Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialize subset to T cells that are critical for preventing excessive immune activation and the development of autoimmunity. They also have critical non-immune functions in specific tissues, such as for maintaining metabolic homeostasis of adipose tissues. The lab has identified Coronin 2a (Coro2a) as a potential regulator of Treg development the thymus and their homeostasis in the periphery. This project will involve analysing the development of Tregs and characterising tissue-specific populations in Coro2a deficient mice by flow cytometry, while the function of these cells will be assessed by means of suppressor assays. The project will also involve assessing these mice in important disease models, such as cancer and/or metabolic/diet challenge.
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