My laboratory focuses on 'Local immune responses' that occur within the thoracic cavity. In particular the interaction of the macrophages of the pleural cavity and fat associated lymphoid clusters of the pericardium and mediastinum. Inflammation of the pleural space induces the production of innate IgM from B cells residing in FALCs, and causes fluid phase macrophages to divide locally, however it is unclear how these two responses are interlinked. We will uncover the mechanism by which macrophages detect IgM, in the context of allergic airway inflammation, parasite infection and cancer.
