Alexander Lloyd Dent
Associate Professor
- : (317) 274-7524
- DEPARTMENTDepartment of Microbiology & Immunology
Indiana University School of Medicine - COUNTRYUSA
Summary of the focus of the research of Dr. Dent
Control of CD4 T cell differentiation, with particular emphasis on follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) and regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Control of the antibody response and autoimmunity by Tfh cells. Regulation CD4 T cell memory. HIV vaccine development.
Description and summary of research focus of the laboratory
My lab is interested in the regulation of the immune response by CD4 T cells. We are particularly interested in Tfh cell differentiation and function and how Tfh cells regulate the antibody response during infection as well as autoimmunity. We study the transcription factor BCL6, which is critical for both Tfh cell differentiation and the differentiation of germinal center B cells and antibody-secreting plasma cells. We are also interested in a novel subset of regulatory T cells that control Tfh cells and B cells. This work has implications for vaccine development, and we are currently analyzing the functions of Tfh cells in HIV vaccine regimens.
Associate Professor