Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the suppression of autoimmune disease. While Foxp3 is continually required to reinforce the Treg program, Tregs can also undergo stimulus-specific differentiation that is regulated by transcription factors typically associated with the differentiation of conventional CD4+ T cells. This results in effector Tregs with unique migratory and functional properties matched to the stimulus that elicited the initial response. In this project we aim to understand both the gene regulatory network responsible for effector Treg differentiation and the functional importance of this process in controlling autoimmune and anti-cancer immunity.

Team members: Erika Cretney, Sheila Dias and Patrick Leung