Research topic:
Immunology; Stem Cell Biology Our lab aims to identify the mechanisms that regulate lymphatic function in pathologic and physiologic conditions. We have developed a number of novel animal models that enable us to study how lymphatic vessels regenerate during wound repair and how this process is regulated by pro- and anti-lymphangiogenic mechanisms. Our studies have focused on the role of T cell–mediated inflammatory reactions and have shown that these immune responses regulate lymphatic regeneration and function both directly and indirectly. We have shown, for example, that Th2 differentiation in response to lymphatic fluid stasis results in lymphatic dysfunction as a result of both direct anti-lymphangiogenic effects on lymphatic endothelial cells and indirect effects on the extracellular matrix by induction of lymphatic fibrosis. We have correlated our findings in our mouse models with clinical samples that are available to our lab based on our clinical exposure to patients who suffer from lymphedema. Our long-term goal is to develop novel therapies for chronic lymphatic diseases such as lymphedema.
