Role of glycolipids in lipid-mediated adaptive immune regulation and dysregulation

CD1b is a monomorphic protein that presents antigenic lipids to activate T cells in immunity. In my thesis, I conducted a study on a novel CD1b-restricted TCR, named Red TCR, which exhibits cross-reactivity toward both bacterial and self-derived antigens. In addition, I solved the crystal structures of CD1b–sphingolipid complexes to address the knowledge gap in antigenic ganglioside lipid presentation. This thesis also highlights the repertoire of lipids presented by CD1b, the high specificity of CD1b-restricted TCRs, and potential tissues or organs where CD1b auto-reactive T cells may be identified. Finally, it provides molecular insights into guinea pig CD1 as a promising animal model for Group 1 CD1 functional studies.