Role of gamma delta T cells in immunity to infectious diseases and the regulation of hematolymphoid cell development.

My research interests are twofold. The first is to define the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate hematopoietic cell development. In particular, the role that the cytokine interleukin-2 (IL2) plays in regulating the development and selection of lymphocyte progenitor cells, and in myelopoiesis are primary areas of research. The second is to understand the role that gamma delta T cells play in pathogen-induced immune responses and autoimmunity. Their involvement in the immune response to the intracellular bacteria Listeria monocytogenes in mice and Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) in humans, in T cell-mediated inflammatory bowel disease in humans, and the nature of the antigens they recognize during these responses are major areas of interest. Research material includes patient-derived tissues as well as both conventional and genetically engineered (transgenic) strains of mice.