Mapping human tissue-resident immune responses in health, autoimmunity and transplantation

In collaboration with our clinical partners, ongoing projects are mapping tissue-resident immune cells in human health and disease. Here we harness advanced single-cell and multi-omic approaches to define resident immune populations and cell states. We are exploring tissue-adapted functions and contributions of resident immune populations to protective or pathogenic immune responses, and examining if and how these responses differ in allogeneic contexts. We are particular cellular circuits that control innate lymphoid cell recruitment and functions.

Harnessing and targeting innate lymphoid cells in new therapeutic approaches

We are exploring new approaches to target or harness specific populations of innate lymphoid cells with protective functions in therapeutic approaches for transplantation. We have developed methods to isolate and expand human ILCs with protective functions and are assessing them in pre-clinical models. We are also examining better ways to target or inhibit NK cells, with applications for cancer and autoimmunity.

Defining factors that regulate human innate lymphoid cell development and function

Current understanding of factors regulating human innate lymphoid cells is limited. Using lentiviral gene transfer systems and CRISPR/Cas9, we are exploring the role of several transcription factors in ILC development and function.

Separately, we are examining how different cytokines impact NK cell and ILC functions and are developing novel immunoengineering strategies to enhance protective ILC functions