Available immediately: An applicant is sought to participate in
ongoing projects investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms
associated with the initiation and establishment of T cell mediated
autoimmune diseases such as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
(IDDM), Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis. Currently, the
laboratory is studying IDDM, characterized by the T cell mediated
destruction of the insulin producing beta cells (R.Tisch & H.O.
McDevitt.1996.Cell 85:291). The nonobese diabetic mouse is being
utilized for these studies. Specifically, three overlapping projects
are being carried out:1) Investigation of the molecular interactions
that occur between beta cell-specific peptides and diabetes associated
MHC class II molecules and how these interactions influence the
development of autoreactive CD4+ T cells. 2) Delineation of the
intereactions occuring between autoreactive and regulatory CD4+ T
cells in the diabetogenic response. 3) Establishment of
antigen-specific immunotherapies to prevent and treat IDDM. Basic
techniques in recombinant DNA and tissue culture are required. Send,
FAX or email curriculum vitae and three names for references to:
Roland Tisch, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, FLOB Room
804, Campus Box#7290, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7290. FAX:919-962-8103.
email:rmtisch at med.unc.edu
