Current Research and Scholarly Interests
Our lab focuses on the study of antigen presentation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. We have been particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms and intracellular steps involved in the generation of complexes between MHC class II molecules and peptides. Our basic work in this area has elucidated the roles of invariant chain and HLA-DM, two molecules which regulate peptide-loading of class II molecules. We continue to study basic molecular mechanisms in antigen presentation by MHC class II molecules, focusing now on particular events in antigen presentation by B cells. In addition, we have an active program to understand the molecular basis of class II associations with autoimmune diseases. We have developed novel hypotheses in this area, which we have tested in animal models. <br/>Ongoing studies deal with:<br/>1. Analysis of the biosynthesis, structure, and structure/function relationships of the HLA-DM and HLA-DO molecules.<br/>2. Regulation of class II-restricted antigen presentation by professional antigen presenting cells, particularly B cells.<br/>3. Mechanistic basis of HLA allele association with autoimmune disease<br/>4. Disease mechanisms in systemic idiopathic juveile arthritis
