T cell Development and Regeneration

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

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Abstract

There are two major ongoing projects in our laboratory: 1. The development and function of innate lymphoid cells. Innate lymphoid cells have transcriptional programs that appear to mirror those of T cells. The comparison of innate lymphocyte cell development with T cell development provides an opportunity to understand the factors that underlie the shared as well as the unique features and functions of these apparently closely related cell lineages. We have identified the earliest known precursors committed to innate cell lineages, and are characterizing the functions of transcription factors expressed in these early innate lymphocyte precursors. 2. Transcription factors in thymic epithelial cells. Distinct transcription factors are expressed in fetal thymic epithelial cells, and in different subtypes of thymic epithelial cells. We are combining models of CRISPR mutagenesis to generate appropriate mouse models, with single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell epigenomics. These technologies will provide unprecedented insight into the mechanisms that support the development and maintenance of adaptive and innate immune lymphocytes.