Research
Establish how microbial metabolites modulate innate-like T cells
While conventional T cells recognize peptides, innate-like T cells can recognize soluble microbial metabolites and are known to require these antigens for their thymic development. How metabolites traffic from barrier surfaces to the thymus remains unknown and the cell types that present these molecules have not been identified. The laboratory is determining how microbial metabolites are recognized by innate-like T cells during homeostasis and disease.
Identify novel immunomodulatory microbial metabolites
Though the recognition of microbial metabolites is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to mediate the interaction between commensals and their host, strikingly little is known about the identity of these molecules. To address this, we are identifying novel metabolites within diverse microbial communities and establishing how they regulate the immune system.
Determine how nutrients influence the dialog between commensals and innate-like T cells
While the host’s diet provides essential nutrients that regulate the composition and metabolic output of the microbiota, the impact on innate-like T cells has not been established. We are assessing whether dietary nutrients alter the development and function of innate-like T cells through changes in microbial metabolites.
Ascertain the role of innate-like T cells in early life
Due to their developmental acquisition of chemokine receptors, innate-like T cells accumulate in barrier tissues prior to conventional T cells and may be critical for regulating microbial colonization in early life. We are exploring how innate-like T cells shape the microbiota during this period and whether these early-life interactions influence subsequent pathogenic encounters.