The regulation of immune responses with a specific focus on T cells. More specifically,

1. evaluation of the role of T cells in immunological processes that prevent or cause clinical syndromes, including cancer, autoimmune diseases (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, SLE), tissue transplant rejection, persistent infectious diseases (e.g. HIV) and problem pregnancies
2. identification of accessory cells that regulate T cell responses using genetically-manipulated (transgenic and knockout) experimental mouse models
3. elucidation of T cell regulatory processes that may be exploited therapeutically to prevent or cure the chronic inflammatory disease syndromes listed above.

Development of novel therapies to intervene in immune responses to ameliorate or cure infectious and autoimmune diseases, cancer and tissue transplant rejection including spontaneous fetal loss.

1. Discovery of a fundamental mechanism that inhibits T cell responses naturally during tissue inflammation associated with tumor growth, chronic infections, such as HIV, leishmaniasis and TB, pregnancy and autoimmune diseases
2. Studies showing that tryptophan catabolism and cellular stress responses are biochemical mechanisms that control T cell responses and activate an importnat class of regulatory T cells.
3. Identification of unique subsets of accessory (dendritic) cells that degrade tryptophan and prevent T cell proliferation
4. Opportunities to promote translational research from laboratory to clinical trials at the Medical College of Georgia

1. Local (MCG) environment conducive to growth and development of the biomedical research enterprise (personnel, funding, space and equipment).
2. Opportunity to live in an expanding State with positive attitudes to research and education.