“Regulation of mucosal immune responses by integrins and TGF-beta” 

Host: Dr. Henry McSorley

Venue: MSI Small Lecture Theatre, SLS

Abstract  

Cytokine-mediated regulation of immunity at mucosal sites is crucial in maintaining tolerance to the microbiota and innocuous antigens, but promoting beneficial responses against harmful pathogens. Work in my lab has focussed on how the crucial cytokine TGFβ regulates mucosal immune responses. Specifically, using animal models and human clinical samples, our studies have uncovered novel pathways by which integrins activate TGFβ to control innate and adaptive immunity in the intestine and lung, during health, inflammatory disease, and infection. Such work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for immune-mediated diseases by targeting TGFβ activity in specific contexts and locations.