Summary
My laboratory focus is primarily on the relationship between cells of the innate immune system, regulatory T cells, and commensal bacteria. We use animal models of inflammatory bowel disease to understand how macrophages and dendritic cells signal regulatory T cells to control chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. We also study the response of human regulatory T cells from patients with inflammatory bowel disease to bacterial products. As our clinical focus is Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, we hope our research leads to improved understanding of mechanisms and novel therapy.