T Lymphocyte . Infection . Vaccination . Memory . Microscopy

Immune Cell Biology

Vaccination is the most successful public health intervention for reducing the burden of infectious disease.  There are many infections, however, for which no vaccine is available.  To date, most vaccines have been designed empirically as opposed to rationally, suggesting that a deeper understanding of the immune response to pathogens can be used to develop more effective and safer vaccines.  Although CD4 T cells are an essential component of host immunity, there are currently no vaccines targeting this compartment.  Our lab investigates CD4 T cell responses in barrier tissues, with a specific focus on the formation and impact of CD4 T cells that support antibody production by B cells.  Using a combination of single cell and systems immunology approaches we are addressing the biologic underpinnings and therapeutic potential of mucosal immunity to combat globally relevant pathogens including influenza and tuberculosis.

For more information, please visit the Immune Cell Biology Lab website.