Our lab studies mechanisms of T cell tolerization to peripheral self-antigens, as well as the relationship between tolerance and tumor immunity.

Our laboratory is interested in studying the development and function of natural killer (NK) cells. How do these cells develop from hematopoietic progenitors and how do they generate their recognition and functional properties. In this context, we are analyzing the role of NK cells on the initiation and/or progression of disease in a murine model of allergic asthma. We are also studying the interactions between cellular components that define hematopoietic microenvironments in the bone marrow, during development and after bone marrow transplantation.

Working with levels and types of tissue injury, Dr. Chandawarkar's lab is currently studying molecules that impact the process of tissue repair and wound healing. Using available animal models and well characterized biological assays his group is exploring novel agents that may have a direct effect on hastening the regenerative process. Studying interactions between the cellular machinery that choregraphs wound healing and agents that modulate its roles is the current focus of this laboratory.

This laboratory is primarily interested in the regulation of the adaptive immunity against tumors, infections and self by the innate immune system. The present focus is on the role of heat shock proteins and Toll-like receptors in hematopoiesis and in the functions of various immune cells in the mammalian system. Independent thinking and experimentation are essential.

Our laboratory is interested in studying immune responsiveness to vaccination against acute respiratory illness in older people. The focus is on T-cell responses and specifically what measures of T helper cell and cytotoxic T lymphocytes can predict risk for influenza illness and how this might be improved through influenza vaccination or other prophylaxis measures.

This laboratory studies antigen presentation by MHC I molecules and indirect presentation (cross-priming) of antigens from non-antigen presenting cells (APCs) by APCs. We have uncovered a major role for heat shock proteins (HSPs) in these phenomena. These studies have also lead to new approaches to immunotherapy of cancers and infectious diseases and these are being pursued through clinical trials.