We are the August lab
We are interested in the role of tyrosine kinases in the regulation of the immune response. We work on the role of intracellular signaling in regulating T cell differentiation and cytokine production, particularly inflammatory cytokines.
Our team includes research faculty, postdocs, research technicians, graduate students, undergraduates, and- depending on the time of the year- veterinary students and high school students. We are located in gorges Ithaca, NY
We are interested in the role of tyrosine kinases in the regulation of the immune response. We work on the role of intracellular signaling in regulating T cell differentiation and cytokine production, particularly inflammatory cytokines.
Our team includes research faculty, postdocs, research technicians, graduate students, undergraduates, and- depending on the time of the year- veterinary students and high school students. We are located in gorges Ithaca, NY
Our research interests
Regulation of T cell activation, differentiation, and regulation of inflammation and memory by Tec family kinases
Itk is a member of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases that is activated downstream of the T cell receptor. Mice lacking Itk exhibit defects in T-cell development and T cell differentiation. Understanding the specific downstream activities of these kinases is crucial to understanding how they impact lymphoid activation and development. We are currently pursuing the signaling pathways regulated by Tec family kinases that regulate the differentiation and function of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Foxp3+ and Foxp3- Type 1 regulatory T cells. We are also currently pursuing the signaling pathways regulated by Tec family kinases that regulate the development of CD8+ T cell memory in response to infection, as well as other immune processes. We are particularly interested in the function of these cells in lung inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma.
Regulation of Innate T cell development by Tec family kinases
We have shown that absence of Itk results in the development of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, a memory phenotype that requires IL4 for its development. These memory phenotype T cells can rapidly produce IFN gamma in response to stimulation. These cells effectively respond to infection with L. monocytogenes or to LPS by secreting IFN gamma. We have termed these cells innate memory T cells for their proposed role in both the early and adaptive immune response. We are continuing to study the development and function of this population of these innate memory T cells.
Regulation of Mast cell activation and function by Tec family kinases
Itk is also expressed in mast cells and has been shown to be activated when IgE interacts with its. Our experiments have examined the role of Itk and the related kinase Btk in regulating the response of these cells to stimulation via the IgE receptor. These experiments have implications for the control of allergic responses, as well as those diseases in which mast cells play a critical role.
Regulation of allergic airway inflammation by eosinophils
The presence of eosinophils in patients in asthma has long been recognized. However, their specific role in this disease is unclear. We are interested in defining the role of these cells in this disease. Using a mouse model, we are examining the role of these cells, and the mechanisms by which they regulate T cell responses in the lung during the development of allergic asthma.
Regulation of T cell activation, differentiation, and regulation of inflammation and memory by Tec family kinases
Itk is a member of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases that is activated downstream of the T cell receptor. Mice lacking Itk exhibit defects in T-cell development and T cell differentiation. Understanding the specific downstream activities of these kinases is crucial to understanding how they impact lymphoid activation and development. We are currently pursuing the signaling pathways regulated by Tec family kinases that regulate the differentiation and function of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Foxp3+ and Foxp3- Type 1 regulatory T cells. We are also currently pursuing the signaling pathways regulated by Tec family kinases that regulate the development of CD8+ T cell memory in response to infection, as well as other immune processes. We are particularly interested in the function of these cells in lung inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma.
Regulation of Innate T cell development by Tec family kinases
We have shown that absence of Itk results in the development of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, a memory phenotype that requires IL4 for its development. These memory phenotype T cells can rapidly produce IFN gamma in response to stimulation. These cells effectively respond to infection with L. monocytogenes or to LPS by secreting IFN gamma. We have termed these cells innate memory T cells for their proposed role in both the early and adaptive immune response. We are continuing to study the development and function of this population of these innate memory T cells.
Regulation of Mast cell activation and function by Tec family kinases
Itk is also expressed in mast cells and has been shown to be activated when IgE interacts with its. Our experiments have examined the role of Itk and the related kinase Btk in regulating the response of these cells to stimulation via the IgE receptor. These experiments have implications for the control of allergic responses, as well as those diseases in which mast cells play a critical role.
Regulation of allergic airway inflammation by eosinophils
The presence of eosinophils in patients in asthma has long been recognized. However, their specific role in this disease is unclear. We are interested in defining the role of these cells in this disease. Using a mouse model, we are examining the role of these cells, and the mechanisms by which they regulate T cell responses in the lung during the development of allergic asthma.
Movie version of Ithaca, NY