Our Research

We study the fundamental immune mechanisms that drive autoimmunity to improve patient care and outcomes.

We combine cutting-edge technologies with multi-disciplinary science to redefine rheumatologic diseases and advance precision medicine.

Autoimmune Adverse Events Following Cancer Immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment, but they can trigger autoimmune complications in ~40% of patients, called immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Our lab investigates the immune pathways driving these autoimmune adverse events, aiming to predict, prevent, and manage them more effectively. Specific projects:

  • Mechanistic Studies: we investigate how immune checkpoint inhibitors disrupt immune tolerance and trigger autoimmunity using a large, prospective human cohort and mouse models.

  • Identifying Predictive Biomarkers: we develop biomarkers to predict which patients are at risk of autoimmune adverse events during checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Adaptive Immune Recognition of Transposable Elements in Autoimmunity

Transposable elements (TEs), also known as mobile genetic elements and often considered "junk DNA," are increasingly recognized as key players in immune activation and autoimmunity. We study how the adaptive immune system detects and responds to these elements, uncovering their role in shaping autoimmune diseases. Specific projects:

  • Accurate mapping of TE Expression: we use long-read sequencing to precisely map TE expression, including identifying their cellular sources in autoimmune diseases.

  • Immunogenicity of TEs: we explore how TEs generate immunogenic nucleic acids and novel antigens that activate adaptive immune responses in lupus.

  • B Cell Recognition of Transposable Elements: we explore how B cells recognize TEs and associated complexes and investigate their role in autoantibody production.

Clinical Sequelae of Anti-Cytokine Autoantibodies

Autoantibodies targeting cytokines can significantly disrupt immune function and lead to increased infectious risk. Further, they are quite common in patients that suffer from autoimmunity. Our lab focuses on uncovering their clinical impact, and determining how they reshape immune responses. Specific projects:

  • Epidemiological Studies: we characterize the prevalence of anti-cytokine autoantibodies in patients with severe infections and autoimmune diseases.

  • Functional Analysis: we investigate how anti-cytokine autoantibodies impair immune function, disrupt cytokine networks and promote clinical complications.

  • Diagnostic Tools: we develop assays to rapidly detect anti-cytokine autoantibodies with the goal of improving diagnosis and patient management.