Mechanisms Regulating Intestinal Homeostasis During GVHD

Gastrointestinal GVHD is the dominant contributor to acute GVHD-related mortality and of primary importance is to underline pathways regulating gut epithelium homeostasis. In this scenario, we have identified a novel mechanism that can potentially be translated into novel clinical strategies to prevent or ameliorate GVHD.

GVHD and the Microbiota

In collaboration with Eric Pamer and colleagues, we are using 16s rRNA gene sequencing techniques to characterize how the microbiota can interact with GVHD.

Strategies to Rejuvenate an Aged Immune System

We are interested in improving recovery following immune-depleting therapies, as well as to enhance the response to new vaccines by rejuvenating thymic function.

Immune Reconstitution After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Adoptive Immunotherapy

Prolonged immunodeficiency after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation results in significant morbidity and mortality from infection. A number of strategies to enhance immune reconstitution post-transplant are being explored.

Adoptive Immunotherapy with Lymphoid Precursor Cells

Culture systems utilizing Notch1 signaling can be used for the in vitro development of T lineage cells at various differentiation stages.

In Vivo Imaging Techniques

In vivo imaging techniques, such as bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and positron emission tomography (PET) allows the study of growth and migration of selected cell populations in a single animal over time.

Homing of T cells in Graft-versus-host Disease

Donor T cells play a pivotal role in graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after HSCT. Although alloantigens are omnipresent in the recipient, GVHD is limited to a few organs (liver, intestines, and skin), and this selectivity is poorly understood.