Our Research

Evolution of the immune system is a key for efficient defense of the host against pathogens. At the same time unwanted immune response against self, needs to be tightly regulated to avoid catastrophic autoimmunity. While self-reactive thymocytes could be eliminated through a cell intrinsic mechanism termed “central tolerance”, an additional mechanism of immune regulation by the so called regulatory T cells (Treg cells) has become a major focus of immune research in recent years. Treg cells are a specific subtype of CD4+ lymphocytes absolutely critical for suppressing autoimmunity and uncontrolled immune response against pathogens. Furthermore, in tumor Treg cells are capable of dampening anti-tumor immunity, making them an attractive therapeutic target. The X-chromosome encoded transcription factor Foxp3, a hallmark of Treg cells, is responsible for establishing a unique transcriptional program that functionally and phenotypically distinguishes them from all other T cell lineages. Our research is focused on dissecting the molecular determinants accounted for Foxp3-mediated gene expression program, with a long-term goal of employing this knowledge to develop novel means to manipulate Treg cells for potential therapeutic interventions.

Regulatory T (Treg) cells comprise an indispensible population of our immune system, and due to their well-established immune-regulatory functions, hold enormous therapeutic promise for autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, the existence of a lineage specific transcription factor Foxp3, makes them an attractive model for studying basic aspects of cellular differentiation and function.