We seek to elucidate mechanisms of disease and develop novel therapeutics through understanding underlying processes of innate and adaptive immunity that cause disease or are responsible for organ repair and regeneration. The major areas of interest of our research group include:

 

Modulators of Innate Immunity and Tissue Repair. Numerous diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with compromised gut epithelial integrity. The gut's innate immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining tissue integrity, fostering epithelial repair, and ensuring microbial balance. Key players in this process include tissue-resident Th17 cells, which induce protective antibodies; innate lymphoid cells, which bolster intestinal stem cell renewal; and γδ T cells, which facilitate tissue repair and mitigate inflammatory responses. At the heart of these processes are transcription factors, which, through complex interactions with partner proteins, regulate immune cell phenotypes and tissue repair mechanisms. Our research aims to unravel these intricate protein-protein interactions, enhancing our understanding and leading to the development of novel small molecule therapeutics aimed at modulating immune responses to promote gut tissue integrity.

 

Clinically Relevant Protein-Glycan Interactions. Glycans, complex sugar-based biomolecules, are essential for a wide array of biological functions, including cell-cell recognition and immune response modulation. They are critical for identifying pathogens, assessing cell health, and guiding immune responses to injury and tissue repair. Despite the pivotal role of glycan-protein interactions in these processes, the therapeutic potential of targeting these interactions remains underexplored. Our research focuses on elucidating the roles of glycan-protein interactions in innate immunity, thrombosis, and cancer. By developing innovative tools and identifying molecules that can target these interactions, we aim to pioneer new therapeutic strategies.

 

Protein-based Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Delivery. The transformative potential of genome editing in medicine is hindered by challenges in delivering editing tools to target cells in vivo. Current methods, including viral vectors and lipid nanoparticles, face limitations such as immunogenicity, off-target effects, and lack of cell-type specificity. To overcome these obstacles, we are developing protein polymer-based nanoparticles tailored for cell-specific targeting. These novel delivery systems aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of delivering genome editors, RNA therapeutics, and other macromolecules, paving the way for more precise and targeted therapeutic interventions for the treatment of a variety of inherited hematologic disorders, as well as cancer.

 

Cell and Tissue Engineering for Regenerative Medicine. The field of regenerative medicine seeks to overcome current limitations in tissue engineering and cell therapies, particularly the challenges posed by allogeneic cell sources and the need for lifelong immunosuppression. Our research explores the potential of autologous iPSC-derived cells and multiplex genome editing to minimize immune rejection and enhance tissue and cell therapy functions. In parallel, we are innovating in additive manufacturing technologies to expedite organ fabrication, aiming for improved tissue architecture and functionality. By delving into the immune system's role and identifying genetic targets for improving transplantation success, our work seeks to lay the foundation for next-generation regenerative therapies.