Our immune cells combat thousands of infections by specifically recognizing individual pathogens. However, some pathogens escape the immune system and cause severe disease. We do not understand why our immunity falls short in these cases and are therefore unable to produce effective vaccines. Our research focuses on receptors on immune cells that directly recognize pathogens and trigger production of antibodies. By using novel imaging techniques we are visualizing the mechanisms of activation of these receptors by pathogens to reveal how pathogens escape immunity. In addition, we are investigating how mutations in these immune receptors contribute to the development of human lymphomas. We would like to use the outcome of this research to support the development of next-generation vaccines and anti-cancer agents.