Mirna Reljic

RESEARCH

CD4 T cells orchestrate adaptive immunity by coordinating cell-mediated and humoral responses. This is possible due to their high level of heterogeneity and plasticity. Differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells into effector cells with specialized function is influenced by environmental cues and cell-cell interactions. The integration of these signals leads to changes in gene expression that direct newly activated CD4 T cells to acquire a specific fate.

I am interested in the molecular mechanisms that control the heterogeneity and plasticity of CD4 T cells. In particular, I study how regulation of RNA translation guided by RNA-binding proteins steers this process. By elucidating the mechanisms that direct CD4 T cells towards a desired function, my study will deliver new knowledge that might help improve current design of vaccine and immunotherapy strategies.
 

CURRICULUM VITAE

I obtained my Bachelor diploma magna cum laude at University of Zagreb in Croatia. My scientific interests led me to join the research program Molecular Mechanisms of Disease at Radboud University in Nijmegen (NL), from which I graduated cum laude in 2023. During my Master education, I performed a 6 month internship in the group of Dr. Bert van der Reijden at RadboudUMC, where I studied the role of the transcription factor GFI1B in erythropoiesis.

With an Individual Travel Grant, I moved to Boston to perform my second internship in the lab of prof. Hidde Ploegh at Boston Children’s Hospital. There, I investigated the application of nanobodies as potential therapeutics against malaria. In April 2024, I returned to the Netherlands and joined the group of Dr. Fiamma Salerno as a PhD candidate.