Immune regulation in the tissue barriers

Tissue barriers are physical interfaces that cover the organs and protect individuals from toxins and pathogens of the external environment. These protective layers consist of a variety of cells, where the stromal cells support tissue structures, provide environmental cues, and interact with the tissue-resident immune cells to sustain physiological function and immune homeostasis.

Our lab is interested in a fundamental biological question of how immune homeostasis is achieved in tissue barriers. We study how cells of the immune system adapt to environmental factors and acquire immune-modulatory functions to support tissue homeostasis. These studies will advance our understanding of mechanisms that render regulatory functions to tissue-resident immune cells and eventually prevent the undesirable immune responses which may lead to allergies, autoimmune disorders, recurrent infections, and increased risks of cancer.

Through analysis of immune cells in the tissue barriers, we identified novel niches at the CNS borders for B cell lymphopoiesis. We also found a novel eosinophil subset unique to the small intestine that modulates the type 2 immune responses. To acquire more insights into the immune regulations in the meninges and small intestine, we are focusing on the studies of 1. B cell tolerance in the meninges. 2) Meningeal B cells in neurodegeneration diseases. 3) Eosinophils in host defense and gut mucosal immunity.