The Alexander Gitlin Lab

The Alexander Gitlin Lab studies how inflammatory cell signaling controls the nature and magnitude of inflammation under physiological and disease conditions. Innate immune cells are tasked with integrating diverse molecular signals from both host and pathogen to produce appropriately commensurate inflammatory responses. Whereas insufficient inflammatory responses can lead to immunodeficiency, overexuberant inflammation can cause devastating collateral tissue damage. We study a set of genes that control the balance between cellular signaling and death and whose deficiencies cause a wide spectrum of severe genetic immune diseases in humans. Focusing on this interconnected network of genes, we use genome editing in primary immune cells, in vivo models, biochemistry, proteomics, advanced imaging techniques, and genomic screens to decipher molecular and cellular pathways that govern inflammation and innate immunity.