Research projects

Upon pathogen infection, the immune system activates both innate and adaptive responses. The innate response acts rapidly but nonspecifically, while the adaptive response provides specificity and immunological memory. The activation of adaptive immunity occurs in secondary lymphoid organs through interactions between B cells and CD4 T cells, leading to the formation of Germinal Centers (GC). Within the GC, B cells proliferate and differentiate into memory B cells (MBC) and antibody-producing plasma cells (PC). Dysregulation of GC formation can lead to immune disorders, emphasizing the need to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in GC initiation, maintenance, and termination.

Immunometabolism plays a crucial role in GC dynamics. Mitochondria, as key organelles, supply energy and biosynthetic precursors essential for proliferative B cells. Beyond their bioenergetic role, mitochondria act as signaling platforms that influence B cell function and differentiation. The GC microenvironment includes diverse immune cells that remodel their metabolism upon antigen stimulation, establishing the GC as a "metabolic hotspot." However, the mechanisms by which metabolic resources are shared among GC cells remain unclear.

Preliminary findings suggest a novel form of communication between B cells and CD4 T cells within the GC: metabolic communication. This metabolic dialogue may involve intercellular mitochondrial transfer, influencing the overall metabolic landscape of the GC and driving adaptive immunity. We propose that this mitochondrial transfer is a bystander interaction critical for GC function, impacting B cell metabolism, differentiation, and the adaptive immune response to pathogens.

The overarching goal of this study is to decipher the molecular basis of mitochondrial transfer into activated B cells and to determine its effects on B cell function. By identifying the molecular components involved and understanding their impact, we aim to uncover novel insights into GC biology.

Ultimately, this research will explore the therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondrial transfer mechanisms in immune-related diseases. Findings from this study could lay the groundwork for innovative strategies to modulate immune responses, offering new avenues for treating immune system disorders.