Vezys Research

cells

Immunoflourescenance image of the small intestine.

Overview

The Vezys lab studies T cell tolerance to self-antigens and chronic infections to determine how persistent interaction with cognate antigen impacts T cell selection, differentiation and survival. We observe and manipulate the dynamics of T cell responses specific for chronic viral infections or host derived self-proteins using MHC tetramers, adoptive transfer of transgenic T cells, fluorescence flow cytometry and multi-photon microscopy for live cell imaging. We are interested in elucidating how tolerance is induced and maintained to intestinal protein, as breakdown of this can lead to diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. By understanding these processes, we can learn how to manipulate the immune system for eradication of cancer and persistent infections, as well as interfere with the development and progression of autoimmunity.

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