Evolution of adaptive immunity in vertebrates

Our research focuses on the evolution and design principles of adaptive immune systems in vertebrates. We use a comparative approach, studying various species, from basal vertebrates to humans.

We place special emphasis on studying species at key positions in the vertebrate evolutionary tree, such as lampreys, cartilaginous fishes, bony fishes, and mammals. We study immune systems of animals with different body sizes, habitats, and lifestyles. Our work addresses T cell repertoire formation, toleration formation, diversity, and the co-evolution of innate and adaptive immune facilities in vertebrates.

Key research areas

• Thymic Development: We are exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying thymus development and T cell formation in various vertebrates, from basal forms to humans. Our key goals include identifying essential genes in thymus organogenesis and tracing the evolutionary history of these genes across species.
• T Cell Repertoire: We aim to unravel the processes that generate and maintain T cell diversity, focusing on the role of DNA sequence and the minimum repertoire size for effective immunity. This research has potential implications for vaccine design and immunotherapies.
• Anglerfish Immune System: This unique group of fish has undergone significant changes to its immune system due to its parasitic lifestyle. We are studying how these species compensate for the loss of adaptive immunity.
• Lamprey Immunity: As one of the most ancient kinds of vertebrates with an adaptive immune system, lampreys provide valuable insights into the evolution of immunity. We focus on the understanding of the development of lamprey immune cells and their antigen receptors.