Research Interests:

My laboratory focuses on the following lines of research:

The first line of research focuses on T cell-mediated immunopathology with particular emphasis on the modulation of the cytokine signature of autoantigen-specific T cells to prevent induction and/or progression of pathogenic T cell responses. The main experimental model that we are studying is experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, as a model for MS). We are particularly interested in the effects of cytokine networks in these models. Part of our strategy to address these questions makes use of a “humanized” mouse model, these mice being transgenic for human MHC genes. We believe that the information gained in these models will provide us with the tools to advance our knowledge of human autoimmune diseases and provide a basis for new therapeutic concepts.

The second line of research centers on the development of new adjuvant formulations for human vaccines. We are in particular interested in pharmacological targeting of the signaling cascades, which determine the induction of type-1/type-2 T cell responses, as is required to develop vaccines and therapies of autoimmunity.

The third line of research focuses on basic T cell biology questions. Specifically, we are investigating the role of MAP kinases in T cell development and function. Moreover, we are studying the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in T cell development and function and in autoimmunity. Finally, we are investigating neonatal T cell immunity.

The experimental in vivo and in vitro immunologic and molecular biologic tests systems and animal models to pursue these questions are established in my laboratory. We are at the forefront of detecting T cell responses at the single cell level by ELISPOT.