Research

Epithelial Stem Cell Biology

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are well-characterized adult stem cells. We are now exploring the role of intestinal stem cells in innate and adaptive immune responses leading to gut homeostasis or when disrupted to a wide array of diseases.

Exploring Immune-Epithelial Interactions

The gut tissue is rich in immune cells that are in close contact with a wide range of antigens derived from nutrients and microbiota, making the gut the primary source of non-self-antigens in our body. We would like to investigate the role of epithelial cells in instructing the gut mucosal immune system.

Illuminating Dysfunctional Intestinal Bowel Diseases Mechanisms

Dysfunction of the epithelial barrier may lead to Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), commonly separated into two major diseases: Chron's disease and Ulcerative colitis. We are interested in understanding disease mechanisms that are playing a role in these diseases.