The intricate relationship between genetics and environmental factors, such as viral infections, plays a role in the development of autoimmune disease. Our research is focused on understanding how and why this switch occurs, since it can lead to autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.

A crucial cornerstone of the network between genetics, the environment, and autoimmunity has been shown to be anti-viral immunity. Further, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked anti-viral immunity to autoimmune diseases. This highlights the balancing act that the immune system performs in trying to defend against a pathogen, while restricting the risk of breaking tolerance. However, how and why the switch from protection to injury occurs still remains to be elucidated.

The research in my laboratory focuses on defining mechanisms of autoimmune pathogenesis by genetic variants. We are particularly interested in investigating the relationship between interferons, inflammation, viruses, and autoimmune disease. We use a multi-model system approach to examine the mechanisms underlying autoimmunity. Ultimately, our long-term goal is to illuminate the mechanisms behind autoimmune pathogenesis, which will lead to the development of novel therapies and diagnostics for autoimmune diseases.