Exploring the role of the ERAP and IRAP aminopeptidases in models of T cell-mediated autoimmunity

• Scientific Background

Nadia Keelan holds a BA degree in Human Genetics from Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) and an MSc in Immunology and Global Health from Maynooth University (Ireland). During her studies, Nadia was a recipient of the A.W.B. Vincent Scholarship in Genetics and completed a research internship at the Zhigang He Laboratory at the FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston, working on axon regeneration in mice. Nadia also worked for a short period at the Imagine Institute, Paris, in the Hovnanian laboratory studying genetic skin diseases before joining CAPSTONE.

• CAPSTONE project
  

This project aims to examine the potential effects of the modulation of ERAP and IRAP aminopeptidases in rodent models of two T cell-mediated human autoimmune syndromes, Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and multiple sclerosis (MS). This will be done using both genetic and pharmacological interference with peptidase function. We anticipate that the experiments will provide proof-of-principle evidence of the therapeutic potential of ERAP and IRAP inhibition in the context of T cell-mediated autoimmune pathologies.

• Supervisory team

Pr. Peter van Endert (UPARIS)

• Contact

nadia.keelan[at]inserm.fr