My laboratory is focused upon determining the contribution of dendritic cells (DC) to both the initiation and regulation the adaptive immunity to pulmonary pathogens, in particular influenza virus. Overall the goals of our studies are to determine which DC-derived factors and interactions are necessary to induce protective immunity during pathogen infections of the lungs. This knowledge is important in the rational design of methods to alter respiratory immunopathology, improve vaccinations, and boost T cell responses to influenza virus and other pulmonary pathogens.
Project 1. DC regulation of T cell responses in the lungs
Project 2. DC regulation of T cell immunity within the lymph nodes
Project 3. Pulmonary vaccination against influenza virus
Project 4. Alteration of pulmonary immunity during bacterial and viral coinfections