Hamerman, Jessica

Research in our laboratory focuses on the regulation of the innate immune response to pathogens with an emphasis on macrophages and dendritic cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells are distributed throughout the body where they are poised to detect pathogens and to subsequently alert the immune system to the presence of infection through the production of inflammatory mediators. Macrophages and dendritic cells recognize pathogens by a variety of cell surface and intracellular receptors termed pattern recognition receptors, including the family of Toll-like receptors (TLR). We study how signaling through pattern recognition receptors results in the appropriate inflammatory response by macrophages and dendritic cells. We are particularly interested in proteins that inhibit signaling through pattern recognition receptors, providing an essential brake to the inflammatory response. These studies will not only help elucidate how inflammatory cytokine production is regulated during infection, but will potentially give insights in how to manipulate the innate immune system to achieve more efficient elimination of pathogens and to regulate the inflammatory response during autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.