Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), innate-like (unconventional) T-lymphocytes, and T-resident memory (TRM) cells are tissue-localized immune cells with vital, cooperative roles in the initiation of tissue inflammatory responses. As early responders during tissue perturbation, these cells are integral in shaping both protective and pathologic immune responses, as well as contributing during normal tissue development and remodeling. Our group has been traditionally focused lymphocytes that are associated with type 2 ‘allergic’ immune responses. Through understanding the local signals and micro-environments that regulate type 2 immune responses, we hope to manipulate these pathways to both limit allergic pathology (asthma, allergy, atopic dermatitis) and promote beneficial allergic responses in settings of chronic, low-grade inflammatory diseases (cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease) where we and others have found type 2 immunity to be protective. More recently, we have expanded our work to study additional ‘flavors’ of tissue-resident lymphocytes across multiple organs, including lung, skin, liver, adipose tissue, and brain, with a specific focus on stromal niches. Our group employs a multifaceted approach focused upon in vivo mouse models, including cytokine reporter/deleter mice, quantitative ‘3D’ microscopy with tissue clearing, flow immunophenotyping, transgenic mice, and pathologic challenges.
Click on the images below to learn more about some of the ongoing projects in the lab.
