Description of Research Expertise

Research Interests

Effector and memory lymphocytes, unlike naïve lymphocytes, can efficiently enter extralymphoid tissues as well as sites of inflammation and infection. Subsequently, lymphocytes enter the afferent lymph to reach draining lymph nodes. After a short time period of residency, lymphocytes exit the lymph node via the efferent lymph, which brings them back into the blood. This dynamic process of lymphocyte recirculation, which is tightly regulated at each step, is essential for immune surveillance and defense against pathogens, but it can also contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases.

My laboratory seeks to understand the regulation of lymphocyte recirculation as well as the microenvironmental localization of effector and memory lymphocytes within extralymphoid tissues, especially the skin. Currently, we are interested in defining the molecules involved in lymphocyte exit from extralymphoid tissues and the significance of this process to both protective and pathologic tissue immune responses. Another main interest of the lab is to determine the lymphocyte subsets involved in organ-specific immunity, with a focus on mobile surveillance mechanisms.

My lab uses a unique comparative immunology approach. We complement in vivo mouse models with a classic model of lymph cannulation in sheep that allows us to analyze lymphatic compartments that are inaccessible in rodents or humans. We also analyze human specimens to address whether our findings in ovine and mouse systems are relevant to human health. Finally, we are also committed to advancing general knowledge of the ruminant immune system, as domesticated ruminants are of worldwide importance.

Understanding the mechanisms involved in lymphocyte trafficking and recirculation through different organs not only reveals important components in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and infectious diseases, it also provides tools to therapeutically manipulate protective and pathogenic immune responses.


Current Projects

• Mechanisms of T lymphocyte exit from the inflamed skin during inflammation.
• Significance of T cell egress from skin to the course of inflammation.
• Trafficking of B1(-like) B cells into skin and other effector sites.
• Regulation of accumulation of antibody secreting cells in the skin and other extralymphoid sites.