Immune Cell Dynamics and Function
We are interested in understanding the many functional properties of T cells during various immune responses. Using innovative bioengineering approaches, we will precisely track and analyze the behavior of antigen-specific T cells over time and space.
The knowledge gained from this research will ultimately enhance our understanding of T cells and advance therapies for various diseases, such as cancer and autoimmunity.
Research
Tissue residency and cellular ontogeny
Our research is dedicated to unraveling the mechanisms underlying T cell tissue adaptation and residency. We aim to decode the tissue-derived signals that instruct T cell residency and to explore whether circulating cells carry genetic information reflecting the tissues they have interacted with throughout their lifespan. Our work provides crucial insights into how tissue-specific environments shape T cell responses, offering the potential for more targeted therapies for cancer and autoimmune conditions.
T cell heterogeneity and function
T cells are extremely heterogeneous and have an important role in orchestrating immune responses and eliminating pathogens and cancer cells. A core part of our research is to understand the various immune states of T cells and describe their functions with a focus on early disease states. This knowledge can reveal novel therapeutic targets, enabling precise modulation of T cell activity for improved treatment of diseases like cancer and autoimmunity.
Clonal dynamics and TCR cross-reactivity
Autoimmune diseases occur when T cells mistakenly target the body’s own cells. Our goal is to identify these self-reactive T cells, understand their distribution and clonal characteristics, and investigate the reactivity of their T cell receptors (TCRs) towards self-proteins, as well as other antigens derived from pathogens, toxins, and microbial agents.
Bioengineering
A key focus of our lab is to create biological tools that address fundamental questions in T cell immunology. We aim to develop novel and innovative methods that not only answer critical biological questions but also facilitate research for the broader scientific community.
More information: Parsa Lab