We study innate immunity, autoimmunity and tolerance

Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are innate sentinel cells that comprise the antigen-presenting classical DCs (cDCs) and interferon-producing plasmacytoid DC (pDCs). The lab has identified several key transcriptional regulators and signaling pathways that control the DC lineage, such as the "master regulator" of pDC development (Tcf4/E2-2), the driver of cDC differentiation in the periphery (Notch2) and the developmental “pan-DC” regulator (Trim33). We are using these genetic insights to better characterize the role of DCs in immune response to infections, immune homeostasis and autoimmunity.

Systemic Autoimmunity

Systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterized by autoreactivity to nuclear antigens including ribonucleoproteins and DNA. The lab is studying the mechanisms of anti-DNA responses, which are prevalent and pathogenic in SLE. In particular, we have defined extracellular nuclease DNASE1L3 as an essential gatekeeper of tolerance to self-DNA. We are also studying the role and regulation of DCs in tolerance and autoimmunity