3D reconstruction and atomic model of the human TCR-CD3 complexCredit: Harbin Institute of Technology
Integrating research with education, HIT’s School of Life Science and Technology (SLST), and the HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS) have advanced rapidly.
Led by SLST professor, Zhiwei Huang, a team has determined the crystal structure of a ligase complex in the HIV virus, providing the structural basis for understanding how the antiviral activities of human viral restriction factors are disrupted. Their revelation of the molecular mechanism helps build a foundation for designing novel anti-HIV drugs.
Huang’s team has also revealed, through high-resolution, cryo-electron microscopy, the structure of a complex responsible for antigen recognition in T cells, which mediate immune responses. Unveiling the assembly of the T-cell receptor apparatus, the discovery enhances understanding of the mechanism that triggers immune responses of T cells, informing the design of immunotherapies targeting the complex.
These discoveries are supported by SLST and HCLS. As HIT’s first special academic zone, HCLS enjoys freedom in research, hiring, and financial decisions within the university, and has established state-of-the-art core facilities including cryo-electron microscopy, imaging, mass spectrometry, antibody platforms and SPF animal room.