Research

Current Projects

Role of CD8 T cells in autoimmune disease
IFNγ-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells accumulate during systemic autoimmune disease in IL-2-deficient mice. It is clear that CD4 T cells are necessary for disease progression, and we have previously shown that IL-2-KO CD4 T cells from sick mice can transfer autoimmunity and lymphadenopathy to recipient mice. However, the importance of CD8 T cells to the initiation and propagation of autoimmunity is unknown. Several groups have demonstrated a protective role for CD8 T cells in inflammation and autoimmunity, while others have suggested a pathogenic role. The goal of this project is to define the function of CD8 T cells during spontaneous autoimmune disease. We are currently addressing the importance of these autoreactive CD8 T cells relative to that of the self-reactive CD4 T cells, and evaluating the mechanisms by which CD8 T cells influence the autoimmune disease process.

Immune Responses in Valley Fever
Coccidioidomycosis is a respiratory, fungal disease caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. Once inhaled, the fungus differentiates into an endosporulating form, causing respiratory distress with flu-like symptoms. In about 60% of cases, the host is asymptomatic or presents mild symptoms that can be cleared with little to no medical intervention, but in 40% of cases, disease is moderately symptomatic; and <4% of symptomatic cases become chronic. There is little understanding why some infections resolve while others develop into chronic infections. Fungal infection clearance requires a TH17 response, characterized by elevated IL-17, and TNFα cytokine production. Granulocytes and phagocytes are vital innate immune cells required for fighting against fungal infections The goal of our studies is to characterize the innate and adaptive immune response against Coccidioides infection. These studies aim to define a productive immune response and understand the host responses that result in chronic disease. These data may provide insight as to who is more likely to clear an infection and who requires more aggressive treatment to clear disease.