Our laboratory is focused on the factors that control immune responses, both normal and pathogenic, at mucosal barrier surfaces. These surfaces in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts protect from external insults such as virus and bacterial infections. However, they also can respond inappropriately to innocuous stimuli such as allergens and food.
The laboratory is investigating the role of the epithelial cytokines TSLP and IL-33 in regulating responses at these barrier tissues. These cytokines, which are referred to as “alarmins,” are released rapidly by epithelial cells following infection. They work to coordinate the innate and adaptive immune responses to mitigate the perceived threat.
We have also found that these cytokines, especially TSLP, are involved in cancers of the epithelium. TSLP serves as a survival factor for tumors, and also acts to blunt the immune response to the cancer.
The lab is also interested in the transcription factor Foxp3 and its role in the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). These studies address the role of Foxp3 isoforms on Treg function, using both human and mouse model systems. We have also recently discovered a novel mechanism of Treg-mediated suppression-inhibition of translation. We are pursuing these studies to better understand the mechanisms that underlie Treg dysfunction in settings of autoimmunity.

Steven Ziegler, PhD
Lab Members

Honyin Chiu, PhD

Phillip Domeier, PhD

Laurie Eldredge

Yan Han, PhD

Laura Muruato, PhD

Kazushige Ninomiya, PhD

Ruth Penn

Florence Roan, PhD

Riley Snodgrass

Stephanie Varela

Kristin Weinstein

Mikias Woldetensae
Research Projects

The Role of TSLPR+St2+ Tregs in colorectal cancer

The role of TSLP and IL-33 in tissue homeostasis and inflammation

Regulation of Humoral Immunity by Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin

Study of Foxp3ΔExon2-expressing regulatory T cells in humans and mice
Featured Publications
Distinct Epithelial-Innate Immune Cell Transcriptional Circuits Underlie Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Asthma.
Am J Respir Crit Care Med
Sputum periostin is a biomarker of type 2 inflammation but not airway dysfunction in asthma.
Respirology
Regulatory T cells suppress CD4+ effector T cell activation by controlling protein synthesis.
J Exp Med
Investigating Thymic Epithelial Cell Diversity Using Systems Biology.
J Immunol
Epithelial cell-derived cytokine TSLP activates regulatory T cells by enhancing fatty acid uptake.
Sci Rep

Meet BRI's Summer 2023 Interns

Learning How Tregs Keep Your Immune System in Check

Paving the Way for New Colon Cancer Treatments
Steven Ziegler, PhD, still has questions about a protein called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) — even after studying it for more than 30 years. The Ziegler Lab helped establish that TSLP plays a role in asthma, lupus and several cancers.

Benaroya Research Institute Receives $9 Million in Funding, With a Focus on Down Syndrome Research
Read MoreNew Study Finds That Germinal Centers Are Regulated by Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Signaling in B Cells and T Cells
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