Intestinal Epithelial Cell Biology & Immunology
As a mucosal immunologist, my research focuses on the role of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) in the intestinal immune response. IEC can secrete several cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1, which enhance or suppress both the immune and inflammatory responses. We are examining novel mechanisms, including integrin-extracellular matrix interactions, which regulate IEC production of these cytokines, including the effect on intracellular signaling pathways which regulate cytokine production (e.g. IkBa/NF-kB and JNK/AP-1 pathways). It is our hope that these studies will not only help to define the defense mechanisms at the intestinal mucosa, but also provide some possible avenues whereby disease treatments or vaccines may utilize the regulatory effects of the IEC. |
