The research in Dr. Weaver’s laboratory concerns the mechanisms by which CD4 T cells control adaptive immunity. Major current projects are: the generation and characterization of transgenic and knock-in mouse models for tracking T cell fate during CD4 effector and memory T cell development; studies defining mechanisms that induce development of the Th17 effector lineage; characterization of mechanisms by which dysregulation of CD4 T cells leads to inflammatory bowel disease; delineation of the adhesion pathways that control effector T cell trafficking; and, characterization of the genetic elements that regulate cytokine gene expression in Th1 and Th17 cells.

Dr. Weaver has a longstanding interest in the regulation of immune responses to bacterial antigens in the intestine, and the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Most recently he has uncovered important factors that regulate the differentiation of Th17 cells. Please refer to the following three papers on this topic. No matter you will read through the papers or not, you will definitely enjoy this seminar on one of the hottest topics in immunology today.

Weaver CT, Hatton RD, Mangan PR, Harrington LE. IL-17 Family Cytokines and the Expanding Diversity of Effector T Cell Lineages. Annu Rev Immunol. 2007;25:821-52. Mangan PR, Harrington LE, O'Quinn DB, Helms WS, Bullard DC, Elson CO, Hatton RD, Wahl SM, Schoeb TR, Weaver CT. Transforming growth factor-beta induces development of the T(H)17 lineage. Nature. 2006 May 11;441(7090):231-4. Harrington LE, Hatton RD, Mangan PR, Turner H, Murphy TL, Murphy KM, Weaver CT. Interleukin 17-producing CD4+ effector T cells develop via a lineage distinct from the T helper type 1 and 2 lineages. Nat Immunol. 2005 Nov;6(11):1123-32.

The Immunology Interest Group (IIG) organizes activities designed to promote information exchange and interactions among NIH scientists interested in the field of immunology, broadly defined. Interactions are facilitated via weekly meetings on current topics as well as an annual Immunology Retreat.

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