Internship/Master project: Investigating inhibitory immune receptor activation

Work Activities
Inhibitory immunoreceptors play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis. In our lab we study leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR-1), an inhibitory pattern recognition receptor that is activated by collagens and proteins with collagen-like domains. These ligands can be presented to LAIR-1 in several forms, including stiff collagen fibers, diffusing membrane proteins, and soluble secreted proteins, each with markedly distinct mobility profiles.

Current models propose that LAIR-1 is activated via ligand-induced receptor clustering. While ligand mobility is known to influence T and B cell receptor activation, the impact of ligand mobility on LAIR-1 clustering and activation has not been established. In addition, the potential roles of force sensing and actin flow in LAIR-1 clustering are unclear. This project aims to uncover how ligand mobility and associated mechanical cues shape LAIR-1 clustering and activation.

The first step of the project will be to fluorescently label a stimulating antibody against LAIR-1. After verifying that the labelled antibody is still functional using reporter cells, you will explore the effects of ligand mobility on LAIR-1 activation through single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. This will involve quantitative analysis of LAIR-1 clustering and downstream signalling. The experimental findings will guide further studies aimed at developing an updated model of LAIR-1 activation.

About the group
The internship will be conducted in the Physics of Cellular Interactions (PCI) group, headed by dr. Kristina Ganzinger. Our group focuses specifically on processes that are critical to communication in the immune system. We address these questions mainly by reconstituting signalling processes in model-membrane systems, developing novel experimental platforms to study immune cell-target cell contacts, and combining them with tools from single-molecule biophysics and micro-fabrication.

Qualifications
You already have a Bachelor’s degree in (bio)physics, nanobiology, molecular biology or biomedical sciences and now participate in a Master’s study in one of these areas. The internship has to be a mandatory part of your curriculum. We expect you to be available for at least 6 months, although longer is preferable.

Work environment
AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Working conditions
At the start of the traineeship your trainee plan will be set out, in consultation with your AMOLF supervisor.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact Tom Aarts: t.aarts@amolf.nl or Kristina Ganzinger: k.ganzinger@amolf.nl.

Link to group website: https://amolf.nl/research-groups/physics-of-cellular-interactions.

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below. Please annex your:

• Resume;
• List of followed courses plus grades.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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