- Overview
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Graft versus host disease (GvHD) is a life-threatening complication that occurs in a majority of patients undergoing a bone marrow transplants from an alternative donor. GvHD occurs when donor T cells recognize host tissues as foreign. My research is understanding how a special subset of T cells, named T regulatory cells (Tregs), can control this process. A long term goal is to generate Tregs in the laboratory for use as a cellular therapy to prevent GvHD.
- Research
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Current Project
Developing methods to use Tregs as a cellular therapyCurrent Project
Developing biomarkers to predict which patients will develop GvHDCurrent Projects
Studying tissue derived Tregs from patients with GvHDGrantsCanadian Cancer Society Research Institute Innovative Grant: Generation of antigen specific T regulatory cells to treat GVHD post allogeneicstem cell transplant. Principal Applicant (2013-2015)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Operating Grant: The role of FOXP3 and IL-1-family cytokines in regulating CD4+ T cell subsets in healthy humans, and in patients with chronic skin inflammation. Co-applicant (2013-2016)
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada: The effect of ATG on immune reconstitution post HSCT. Principal Applicant (2013-2015)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Operating Grant: Molecular and Cellular Biology of Th17 cells in health and disease. Co-applicant (2009 - 2013)
Honours & Awards”In it for life” Mentored Clinician Scientist Award, 2005-2007
VCHRI Global Collaboration Research Award, 2007
Academic Enhancement Fund Award, 2008 – 2010
Research Group MembersJoanna Faulks
BC scientists engineer immune cells to protect organs from transplant rejection
Scientists at BC Children’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia have developed a gene therapy that programs a type of immune cell called T regulatory cells to protect transplanted tissues from rejection by the patient’s immune system.
