dr. Danielle Clancy (PhD)

Our immune systems are sophisticated defence mechanisms which identify invading pathogens and coordinate their removal. Specialised cells known as T and B lymphocytes are key effectors of the adaptive immune response. Lymphocyte development is tightly controlled to prevent the expansion of destructive, self-reactive T and B cells. Themis, a recently described T cell specific protein, is a key regulator of T cell development. Accumulating evidence also links Themis to inflammatory diseases, yet the structural and mechanistic basis of these functions remain poorly understood. Themis1, and the related protein Themis2, contain two copies of a newly described domain dubbed the CABIT domain, crucial for Themis activity. However, no structural information is yet available. 
The objective of my research is to provide insights into the structure and function of Themis1 and Themis2 and to investigate the unexplored role of these proteins in inflammatory signalling. Elucidation of Themis1 and Themis2 structural domains, particularly the CABIT domain, and how these proteins interact with key binding partners will provide insights into the function of Themis and related proteins in inflammatory diseases and cancer. 
 

• Lab address: VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Zwijnaarde (Ghent), Belgium 
• Danielle Clancy is interested to receive invitations for talks and presentations