Memory lymphocytes often form non-circulating populations that accumulate in peripheral organs and perform critical tissue specific functions. We are investigating the basic biology of tissue resident B cells and their role in cancer pathogenesis.

As a barrier organ the skin is fine-tuned to protect us from the outside world in part through tissue specific immune responses but sometimes these immune pathways malfunction leading to a variety of painful and hard to treat skin diseases. Our goal is to explore the mechanisms by which adaptive immunity in skin leads to pathogenic outcomes. Current ongoing projects are aimed at understanding the role of B cells in hidradenitis suppurativa and skin cancer.

Detecting and fighting cancer early before it spreads will greatly expand treatment options and efficacy. We are working to harness the unique and powerful properties of tissue specific immune function to develop novel immunotherapeutic and cancer detection tools.