Neutrophils in Host Defense and Inflammation

Neutrophils play a critical role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. During the inflammatory response, neutrophils contribute to the recruitment of other immune cells and facilitate mucosal healing by releasing mediators necessary for the resolution of inflammation.  Our lab uses a combination of cellular and molecular techniques to (i) determine the transcription factors that regulate neutrophil development and activation, and (ii) examine the effects of neutrophil-derived cytokines in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses to T. gondii.