T. J. Thauland

Humanized mice bearing CRISPR/Cas9 Disruption of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1) to Model Primary Immunodeficiency

This study uses CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt STAT1 in human hematopoietic stem cells, creating humanized mice that model partial STAT1 deficiency and replicate human immune system impairments.

Global anti-tumor immunity after localized, bioengineered Treg depletion

This paper presents a biodegradable scaffold that locally depletes Tregs and activates T cells to clear solid tumors, inducing an immunological abscopal effect on distant tumors.

Augmentation of T-cell activation by oscillatory forces and engineered antigen-presenting cells

This study shows that oscillatory movement of engineered antigen-presenting cells enhances T-cell activation and expands regulatory T cells more effectively than static cultures.

Tissue mechanics controls T-cell activation and metabolism

This study shows that tissue mechanics control T-cell activation and metabolism by regulating YAP-dependent NFAT nuclear translocation, affecting T-cell responses in viral infections and autoimmune diabetes.

T-cell activation is modulated by the 3D mechanical microenvironment

This study shows that T-cell activation increases in stiffer 3D hydrogels compared to softer ones, indicating mechanical sensing by T cells.

The actin-capping protein alpha-adducin is required for T-cell costimulation

This study shows that alpha-adducin is required for CD4+ T-cell activation in response to low antigen levels but not for CD8+ T-cell activation or infection response, and it abrogates CD28 costimulatory signals.