A Functional Assay to Measure Chemokine Mediated Integrin Upregulation

Authors

Victoria Harris, Brigham Young University
Dr. Eric Wilson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

functional assay, chemokine, integrin upregulation, IgA, antibody secreting cells

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

The presence of IgA antibody secreting cells (ASCs) in mucosal tissues is a mechanism of host defense against many pathogens. For my project I investigated the molecular mechanisms of how these specialized cells arrive at their destination. I focused on designing an adhesion assay to quantitatively measure the functional qualities of cells, rather than simply measuring the presence of certain molecules. The process of leukocyte homing includes a series of steps that culminates in the cells extravasating into the surrounding tissue. The first step is the stimulation of cells with a chemokine (a molecule that “pulls” cells in a certain direction). If the cells express the corresponding chemokine receptor, a reaction within the cell causes the activation of an integrin surface receptor. This activated integrin receptor then binds to its ligand (from the CAM family) and mediates the extravasation process.

Recommended Citation

Harris, Victoria and Wilson, Dr. Eric (2013) "A Functional Assay to Measure Chemokine Mediated Integrin Upregulation," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1297.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1297