A molecular timer for inflammation and cell death (2016-2019)

Most processes fundamental to life rely on the timely execution of cellular functions. One biological system in which timing is paramount is the innate immune system. Organismal health relies upon this front line defence system for rapidly detecting invading microbes and inducing an appropriate ¿¿¿ and timely ¿¿¿ antimicrobial response to clear infection. We do not currently understand how immune responses are temporally co-ordinated. This proposal aims to address this key knowledge gap, by characterising a novel molecular timer that dictates the co-ordinated timing of immune responses and immune cell death. These studies will yield fundamental insight into mammalian anti-microbial mechanisms.