Michael Demetriou

Michael Demetriou, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Neurology and Director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Designated Comprehensive Care Center
Phone: (949) 824-9775

Dr. Demetriou's laboratory focuses on the molecular biology and glycobiology of T cell function in relation to autoimmune diseases. His lab has recently identified beta1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Mgat5), an enzyme in the Asn (N)-linked protein glycosylation pathway, as a potent negative regulator of T cell activation and autoimmunity in mice (Demetriou et al (2001) Nature 409 733). Mgat5 glycans limit T cell receptor (TCR) clustering at the immune synapse, decrease TCR signaling and reduce T cell proliferation by maintaining the TCR complex within a cell surface multi-valent galectin-glycoprotein lattice that restricts receptor movement in the plane of the membrane. Dr. Demtriou's lab is currently further defining the structure and function of the T cell galectin-glycoprotein lattice and its role in regulating T cell homeostasis and autoimmunity.

IFI Research Focus Area(s): Autoimmunity and Chronic Inflamation
aging, autoimmunity, glycobiology

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