1. STUDIES ON HELPER SIGNALS REQUIRED FOR T CELL ACTIVATION: Regulation of cytokine production and of cytotoxicity upon T cell activation. Role of B7-CD28 interaction and of cytokines produced by antigen-presenting cells (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12, IL-15) for T cell activation. Effect of blocking CD28 and/or CD40 in autoimmune diseases (animal models). Anergy induction via blocking of helper signals. 2. STUDIES ON PHAGOCYTE Fc RECEPTORS: Variants of Fc receptors and their specific function. Changes in Fc receptor expression during activation and/or differentiation of phagocytic cells. Genetic polymorphism. 3. DIFFERENTITATION AND ACTIVAITON OF MONOCYTES:
