Kimberly S. Schluns, Ph.D. 1997, Loyola University of Chicago The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Immunology Contact Information

Research Interests:

• Regulation of T cell homeostasis
• CD8 T cell responses to infections
• Generation and maintenance of memory CD8 T cells
• Development of intestinal lymphocyte populations

The goal of my laboratory is to better understand the mechanisms of T cell homeostasis that are present before, during, and after an immune response. My focus has centered around the role of cytokines on CD8 T cell, particularly Interleukin-15, as this cytokine play various roles during an immune response and on multiple lymphoid cell types. Currently, the lab is attempting to understand a unique mechanism of cytokine delivery that is utilized by IL-15 and it’s receptors termed trans-presentation. This trans-presentation of IL-15 is required for the homeostasis of memory CD8 T cells and the development of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the intestines. Better understanding how trans-presentation is utilized in these two systems is a major goal of the lab.

A tutorial in my laboratory would provide a student exposure to multiple techniques used to study immunology, including basic molecular biology, in vivo analysis, tissue culture, and flow cytometry. In addition, the student would be able relate the basic experimental questions to important immunology and cell biology concepts. The specifics of the project would be decided based on the student’s interests.

Publications

Program Affiliation:

Program in Immunology