Research
Alloreactive T cell epitope discovery
During acute and chronic rejection following lung transplantation, we find a clonally expanded population of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells populating the allograft. In collaboration with Dr. Alok Joglekar (joglekarimmunolab.org) we are performing high-throughput screens of epitope discovery.
Molecular drivers of human lung tissue resident memory T cell formation and maintenance
Following lung transplantation, recipient-derived T cells migrate to the lung allograft and take up long-term residency. Using longitudinal single cell RNA and TCR sequencing of cells obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage, we are identifying the molecular drivers of tissue resident memory T cell formation and maintenance.
Non-invasive means of detecting rejection after transplantation
Transbronchial biopsy remains the “gold standard” test for the diagnosis of acute cellular rejection after lung transplantation. These biopsies are associated with patient morbidity and are associated with detection at advanced stages of rejection. We are developing a non-invasive means to accurately detect acute cellular rejection using a peripheral blood draw.
Targeting tissue resident memory T cells with drugs
Tissue resident memory T cells are removed from the circulation and are relatively spared from systemically administered immune modulators. Using ex-vivo lung perfusion models, we are testing the impact of various immune modulators in the attempt to better target these elusive immune cells.