KEY RESEARCH INTERESTS AND DISCOVERIES
Key research interests
Lymphoid organs are highly organized organs containing lymphocytes, antigen presenting cells and stromal cells. Research interests in the laboratory are focused on the development and function of lymphoid organs including lymph nodes and gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). We are particularly interested in the role of stromal cell - lymphocyte interactions in the development and maintenance of lymphoid organs and in the role of these interactions in the generation and maintenance of immune responses.
Two references
- deBoer J, Williams A, Skavdis G, Harker, N, Coles, M, Tolaini, M, Norton, T, Williams, K, Roderick, K, Potocnik, AJ, Kioussis, D (2003). Transgenic mice with hematopoietic and lymphoid specific expression of Cre, European Journal of Immunology, 33(2) 314-25.
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Coles MC, Raulet DH (2000) NK1.1+ T cells in the liver arise in the thymus and are selected by interactions with class I molecules on CD4+ CD8+ cells, Journal of Immunology, 164(5): 2412-8.
Discoveries
We developed fluorescent protein mice that have allowed us to visualize the development and function of lymphoid organs. Utilizing these mice we have been able to show that there are separate molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and maintenance of lymph node structures.
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PhD PROJECTS
In vivo function of lymph node stromal cells
Interactions between lymphocytes and lymph node stromal cells are essential for the survival and function of peripheral lymphocytes. Utilizing an influenza specific immune response we will image (confocal 2-photon microscopy) real time interactions between lymphocytes and stromal cells. Utilizing knock out mice we will analyze the molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte stromal cell interactions.
Role of IL-7/IL-7R interactions in lymphoid tissues
IL-7/IL-7R interactions are important for both the development and function of T cells, B cells and lymph node stromal cells. We will generate a fluorescent protein reporter of IL-7 producing cells. We will study the regulation of IL-7 production in the development and function of normal and ectopic lymphoid tissues.
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