Dr David Bending

• PhD in Immunologym University of Cambridge, 2011
• BA (Hons) Medical Sciences, University of Cambridge, 2007

Dr David Bending is a T cell immunologist specialising in the regulation of T cell responses and T cell receptor (TCR) signalling. In 2018, he formed his own research group at the University of Birmingham, UK. His lab is supported by Wellcome Trust funding and an MRC Career Development fellowship. Their research focuses on how TCR signalling strength and dynamics regulate T cell function. Dr Bending's lab has keen interests in understanding how immunotherapy can alter T cell activation and identify favourable T cell signatures of therapy responders. They have developed cutting-edge TCR signalling research tools, such as the Timer of cell kinetics and activity (Tocky) system, to study T cell activation in vivo. Through exploiting the Tocky tool, a recent major finding is the discovery of the novel “TCR.strong” signalling signature, which is a hallmark of effective T cell responses to anti-PD1 immunotherapy.

• MSc in Immunology and Immunotherapy
• BSc Biomedical Sciences
• MBChB Immunology Modules

Currently students

• 1 MSc by Research in Immunology and Immunotherapy student
• 1 PhD in Immunology and Immunotherapy student

Research interests

T cell receptor signalling, T cell activation, T cell regulation, Nr4a receptors, Immunotherapy, Tumour immunology, negative feedback control of T cells

Current projects

Negative feedback control of T cells in tolerance and cancer - from pathways to biomarkers

T cells are vital immune cells that help fight infections and cancer. T cells must strike a balance between successfully clearing harmful invaders and the collateral damage they might inflict in achieving this (called immunopathology). The T cell system therefore has many brakes which it can apply to control the level of immune response.  We have developed new tools that can follow T cell responses and identify when and how they switch on these immune brakes. We believe that these brakes that have developed to prevent autoimmunity account for why T cells are prevented from killing cancer cells.

Role of Nr4a receptors in T cell activation

Nr4a receptors are rapidly activated following TCR signalling and can be used to follow T cell activation processes in vivo. We use genetic tools to understand the roles Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 play in feedback control of the T cell activation process.

Role of TCR signal dynamics in the regulation of IL-10 expression

IL-10 is an important cytokine that modulates immune responses. Here we use state-of-the-art tools to understand under what conditions IL-10 is activated in T cells, and how TCR signal strength and dynamics control this process.

• 2021-to date: Co-Chair of the BSI West Midlands Immunology Group
• 2021-to date: Member of the Midlands Innovation Immunology Network
• 2021-to date: Member of the MDS Athena Swan Organisation and Culture sub-commmittee