Sting signalling modulation via the electron transport chain
The innate immune response to cytosolic dsDNA via the cGAS-STING pathway has been shown to be essential in the response to various viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, in autoimmunity and in cancer. However, the relationship between STING signalling and metabolism is currently unknown. In recent years, our understanding of immunometabolism has also increased – it is becoming clear that metabolic adaptations are fundamental for immune responses. Due to its role in this wide range of clinical pathologies, the mechanism of STING signalling has received a great deal of scientific interest and several STING-targeting compounds are now reaching clinical trial stages of development. It is therefore important to understand the effect of STING activation on mammalian cells, as well as how to manipulate this response to the greatest effect. The research proposed here focuses on the relationship between cellular metabolism and innate immune signalling via STING, using an unbiased proteomics approach as well as targeted immunometabolism approaches to find STING modulating metabolic pathways.
Having completed my PhD studies in immunology, I am pursuing a postdoctoral project, in the lab of Dr. David Sancho at the CNIC, that utilises my expertise and allows me to expand my technical horizons and enhance my career development. As an expert in innate immune signalling I believe that combining my knowledge with the Sancho lab’s expertise in cellular immunobiology and metabolism will lead to a better understanding of our immune system. As well as the expertise of my host lab, I will also benefit from the collaboration of leaders in proteomics and mitochondrial biology. This Individual Fellowship would greatly benefit my current research objectives and my career as a whole by allowing me to explore my research interests in a supportive environment, where I will receive the training required for the next stage of my research career.