Student Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
RU Laboratory
Marraffini Laboratory
Abstract
Viruses parasitize every known life form on the planet for their propagation and spread. To deal with this constant assault, organisms across all domains of life ave evolved immune strategies in the form of genetically encoded systems to defend themselves. Immunity can be conceptualized as occurring in three fundamental stages. First, the immune system must identify an invading pathogen—either directly via recognition of a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), or indirectly by sensing the perturbation of homeostasis during the process of infection(“guard hypothesis”). Second, this information must be converted into molecular signals to be transmitted to the appropriate compartment within the cell or organism and to amplify downstream immune responses. Third,effect or programs must been acted to interfere with the virus’ ability to replicate and parasitize the host.Arising from these fundamental properties, immune systems are composed of multiple distinct components with specialized functions(e.g. the “innate” and “adaptive” arms of immunity in vertebrates)and involve a complex network of interactions. A viable immune response must therefore be able to optimally integrate multiple branches within this network in order to operate effectively—that is, to simultaneously enable robust immunity against any invading pathogen while limiting autoimmunity.
Recommended Citation
Banh, Dalton Van, "Molecular Mechanisms of Sensing and Synergy by Anti-Bacteriophage Immune Systems in Staphylococcus" (2024). Student Theses and Dissertations. 751.
https://digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu/student_theses_and_dissertations/751
Comments
A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of The Rockefeller University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy