Demystifying histone deacetylase functions in immune cells (2017-2019)

This project aims to define mechanisms by which a particular enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. The significance lies in the identification of processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways. By characterizing both protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages, the outcomes will help address this major knowledge gap. Major conceptual advances generated on the roles of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses can ultimately be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology applications.