Mentor Areas
The production of antibodies (Abs) with high affinity and pathogen neutralization potential is crucial for preventing and fighting pathogen infection. To produce such Abs, naïve B cells are activated in response to cognate antigen and subsequently undergo rounds of somatic hypermutation and selection in germinal centers, specialized microanatomical sites in secondary lymphoid organs. This process of affinity maturation is tightly regulated by a specialized subset of CD4 T cells named T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Our laboratory is interested in dissecting the complex biology of Tfh cells. Understanding (1) how Tfh differentiation is regulated and (2) by what means Tfh cells enable effective B cell responses are two major research goals that our group seeks to address by using a multidisciplinary approach that combines cellular and molecular immunology as well as transcriptomics.
Description:
In this project, we seek to understand the role played by the cytokine activin A in the differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Mice lacking activin A receptor will be immunized with a protein antigen or infected with LCMV, and the generation of Tfh and antigen-specific B cell responses will be evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA. Students will be involved in cellular biology experiments and general lab maintenance.
Preferred Qualifications
We are looking for highly motivated students with excellent organizational skills and strong work ethic.
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.