NK cells in the development of adaptive immune responses – Benedict Chambers team

The main focus of our research is to investigate the role of natural killer (NK) cells in the development of adaptive immune responses. The research focuses along two lines. (1) The interaction between dendritic cells (DC) and NK cells. (2) How NK cells can affect T and B cell mediated responses by direct physical interaction.

The Benedict Chambers team is part of the Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren research group at the Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM).

About our research

Our current interests:

(i) examining adhesion molecules in the development of immune responses. In particular, we are examining these on innate immune cells and how they can promote adaptive immune responses. We find that these molecules affect checkpoint molecules such as PD-1, LAG3 and TIM3 which has implications in anti-tumor responses by immune cells. Expression of these adhesion molecules on immune cells could also identify which patients might benefit from immunotherapy using anti-checkpoint antibodies.

(ii) examining the role of voltage dependent calcium channels (VDCC) on immune responses. We have previously found that immune can make GABA which could dampen immune responses. GABA can affect immune cell polarization through VDCCs. We have found that VDCCs can affect NK cell function and we are currently examining how this is achieved.

Open positions

We always want to get in touch with talented potential co-workers. If you are interested in doing research within our group, as a degree project or as a researcher, please contact the group leader: benedict.chambers@ki.se

Publications

Selected publications