- 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.
