Ongoing projects in the lab
THE JAMESON LAB
ALOPECIA AREATA FUND
Skin-resident T cells in diabetic wound repair
Previous work in the laboratory identified that T cells become dysfunctional in obese and diabetic mice. The dysfunction is linked to problems with the T cells being overly stimulated by inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha. Our laboratory is currently investigating the role of inflammatory mediators in normal skin T cell function and dysfunction in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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Role of skin-resident T cells in alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system recognizes and attacks the hair follicle, leading to hair loss. We are investigating the role of resident T cells in either protecting or perpetuating the disease. In addition, we have identified a new gene associated with alopecia areata in both humans and mice called BST2.
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Interactions between T cells and sensory neurons
Our recent findings indicate that T cells interact closely with sensory neurons expressing NPY1R. These interactions become compromised in mice with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We are currently studying the mechanism by which T cell-sensory neuron interactions are impeded in obese and diabetic mice
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Translational studies on gamma delta T cells in obese human subjects
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Epidermal T cells and psoriasis
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We have shown that gamma delta T cells are negatively correlated with BMI in human subjects. In addition, obesity is associated with reduced antiviral T cell function. Together this data shows that gamma delta T cells are sensitive to changes such as chronic inflammation that are associated with obesity. Current studies are investigating the impact on skin-resident T cells.
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We have performed studies on psoriasis models to better understand the role of resident epidermal T cells in the initiation or exacerbation of psoriasis. The role of CCR6 and IL-17 are currently being investigated along with the impact of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
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