|
|
| Name |
Cantor, Harvey |
| Location
|
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute |
| Primary Field
|
Immunology and Inflammation |
 Election Citation
|
|
Cantor discovered that the different kinds of T cells in the immune system have distinctive markers, recognize different classes of MHC molecules, and can perform the three major functions of T cells: T cell help, T cell inflammation, and T cell killing. These discoveries have served as the paradigm for the way mammalian T cells work for over 20 years. |
|
Research Interests
|
|
Our group is interested in understanding the molecular and cellular elements that regulate the type and intensity of antimicrobial immunity and maintain self-tolerance. We believe that interactions between T cell subsets and other immunological cells are at the core of this process. In recent years we have identified and characterized genes that allow robust T cell activation after TCR engagement. Our studies of the role of T cells in imprinting the type of immune response following viral infection have led to the isolation and characterization of a gene and its secreted product (Eta1/Opn) that enhances Type I immunity through interactions with macrophages and dendritic cells. Studies of the interactions between the immune system and viruses have delineated a molecular link between infection and autoimmune disease based on T cell receptor cross-reactivity. Our current research uses a combination of genetic and cellular approaches to define potential sub-lineages of CD4 and CD8 cells that are genetically programmed to carry out regulatory or effector T cell function. |
|
|
|