Dr. Laurie Glimcher's laboratory uses biochemical and genetic approaches to elucidate the molecular pathways that regulate CD4 T helper cell development and activation. The complex regulatory pathways governing Thelper1/Thelper2 (TH1/TH2) responses are critical for both the development of protective immunity and for the pathophysiologic immune responses underlying autoimmune diseases. This developmental event is regulated by the IL-4 and IFN? cytokines. Dr. Glimcher’s laboratory has studied the transcriptional pathways that control this important immune checkpoint. The laboratory defined the genetic bases of both IL-4 and IFN? expression in T cells. Her group identified the proto-oncogene c-maf as the transcription factor responsible for TH2-specific IL-4 expression. Subsequently, her group discovered the first TH1-specific transcription factor, T-bet and demonstrated that this single factor is a master-regulator of IFN? gene expression and the TH1 phenotype and controls Type 1 immunity in cells of both the adaptive and innate immune system. She has expanded her interest in lineage commitment in lymphocytes to the B cell with the discovery of a transcription factor, XBP-1 that controls plasma cell differentiation and the Unfolded Protein response. Most recently her laboratory has identified new proteins that control osteoblast commitment and activation and bone formation. This body of work may provide a conceptual framework to therapeutically manipulate these responses in the settings of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cancer.

B.A. 1972, Harvard University
M.D., 1976, Harvard Medical School