The research lab of Alexander L. Dent, PhD is focused on the regulation of the immune response by CD4 T helper and regulatory T cells. Specifically the Dent Lab is studying the role of T follicular helper (Tfh) and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells in the antibody response during allergic and autoimmune disease.
Active Research
Currently the Dent Lab is analyzing the function of Tfh and Tfr cells in the production of IgE antibody in a peanut-based food allergy model in mice. Investigators in this lab also study the transcription factor BCL6, which is an oncogene in B cell lymphoma and is also critical for Tfh and Tfr cell differentiation and the germinal center reaction. This work has implications for vaccine development and the development of a universal HIV vaccine.