At the mucosal surfaces of the airways, intestine, and urogenital tracts, the separation of our body from the environment is at times only one cell wide. These surfaces are colonized by many microbial organisms, which under normal conditions are harmless or beneficial. However, the mucosal surfaces are also a common entry point for pathogens and toxins. Therefore, the mucosal immune system has to fulfil two often-conflicting functions: (i) to protect the host from harmful invaders, like pathogens; and (ii) to support the function of the mucosa and to ensure the peaceful cooperation with the commensal microbiota. When this balance is disturbed, diseases are usually the consequence.

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Our laboratory at the Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) wants to better understand how the various immune cells in and around the mucosa cooperate to maintain its function and health.

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A particular focus is placed on three innate-like T cells: iNKT cells, MAIT cells, and γδ T cells. Innate-like T cells share features with innate NK cells and memory T cells, which makes them unique and important players in the immune system.

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In our translational approach, we combine work with clinical samples, advanced in silico, in vitro and in vivo mouse models, to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications.