Our primary interest is immune tolerance and dysregulation, both as a basic immunological phenomenon and as a prelude to disease. The overall objectives of our research are to define the immunological abnormalities in models of spontaneous autoimmunity, and to identify the cells, stimuli and targeted antigens required for autoimmune development.


We work to elucidate the immune abnormalities in inflammation and autoimmunity, with an emphasis on factors that trigger and maintain autoimmune disease. By identifying the dysregulated cytokines, expanded immune populations and relevant targets of autoimmune attack, we can better understand the mechanisms by which pathogenic lymphocytes cause damage, and work to develop strategies for treating autoimmunity.