The complement system has long thought to be a primitive stop-gap measure used to slow down infection until the more sophisticated adaptive immune system can undertake its highly potent attacks using antibodies and cells tailored to the specific target. It has become clear how simplified this view had been: the successful immune defense is now seen as a complex process in which the innate part plays vital roles in the instruction of adaptive immunity.

My research focuses on a novel crosstalk between the complement system, specifically the complement protein CD46, and T cell responses as CD46 signaling induces the development of IL-10-secreting adaptive regulatory T cells (Tregs). 

We propose that understanding the underlying mechanisms that shape this novel important interplay between the complement system and T cells would significantly advance our ability to develop more effective immunotherapies to control T cell-mediated disease conditions. Thus, I intend to build a research program aimed at elucidating the role of complement-induced Tregs in normal immune homeostasis and states of chronic inflammation such as autoimmunity or pathogen persistence.