LAB MISSION
Using a collaborative approach and team members’ unique strengths, we develop pathogenic insights into the immunobiology of Sjogren’s and dryness, improving patient quality of life and disease activity while fostering the next generation of researchers.
Define the immunomodulatory function of salivary gland stromal cells
This research initiative focuses on understanding how stromal cells (i.e. fibroblasts) affect the surrounding immune environment (and vice versa). We focus on pathways of activation including the JAK/STAT pathway and understanding how these pathways affect disease and our cells of interest. By testing new drugs and cellular therapeutics (including MSCs), we identify and confirm pathways of interest in our mouse models of disease. We use organoid modeling, microfluidics chambers, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate animal models in silico.
Identify novel antigens/antibodies in Sjogren’s Disease and determine whethery they have a role in disease
We recently identified a novel autoantibody-DTD2- and are now working to understand how this antigen/antibody might contribute to Sjogren’s disease pathogenesis. We also have identified other novel targets that we are defining further to understand this disease.