James Lab

Introduction

Our research is focused on understanding the selection, activation, and expansion of an autoreactive T cell repertoire in autoimmunity. We utilize tools such as HLA tetramers to predict and validate epitopes within candidate antigens and to directly identify and characterize antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

The lab’s studies currently focus on type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The overarching goal of our research is to develop an increasingly in depth knowledge of autoreactive T cell responses by examining the characteristics of the epitope specific cells involved in these autoimmune diseases through robust multi-parameter assays and also at the single cell level. We seek to leverage that knowledge to develop clinically meaningful biomarkers and to reveal potential new avenues for therapies.

Our group places a high value on collaboration, as manifested by our activity in groups such as the JDRF Biomarker Working Group, the Immunology of Diabetes Society T cell Workshop, and nPOD and through formal and informal research collaborations with investigators across numerous areas of research. We are convinced that the future success of research will be crucially dependent on collaborative efforts that leverage the expertise of multiple researchers to address key questions through complementary techniques and approaches.

Eddie James
Assistant Member

Eddie James, PhD

Associate Member; Principal Investigator, James Lab
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Lab Members

Aisha Callebaut

Aisha Callebaut, PhD

Post Doctoral Research Associate, James Lab; Center for Translational Immunology
Anthony Jones

Anthony Jones

Research Technician, James Lab; Center for Translational Immunology
Hai Nguyen

Hai Nguyen, PhD

Staff Scientist, James Lab; Center for Translational Immunology

Research Projects

Kwok Research Project Preview - DNA-barcoded HLA class II tetramers

Biomarker Validation

The James Lab is working to implement tetramer staining on highly multiplex platforms and to apply these methods to define immunological signatures that reflect disease states in order to further our understanding of the underlying disease process.
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Blog Main Image - BRI Researcher Samples Hood 1

Post-Translational Modification

The lab is investigating the recognition of post translational modifications to self-reactive T cells to determine how they contribute to the progression of autoimmune disease in humans. 
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Related Stories

Blog Main James Lab T1D Beta Stem Cells
June 30, 2023

To Belgium and Back Again to Study Beta Cells

BRI researchers are working to develop a groundbreaking new approach to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). They aim to turn T cells that cause T1D into regulatory T cells (Tregs) that protect you from T1D.
Read Article
Blog Main Image - Researcher Woman Examining Culture Plate
June 15, 2021

An Unprecedented Way To Study Rheumatoid Arthritis

The first symptoms Linda Sloate experienced were aching hands and pain that shot up her arms. She had carpal tunnel surgery in both hands. Then she felt pain in her feet while she was teaching kindergarten and running around after her three children.

Read Article
Blog Main Image - Scientific Hevin Expression Brain
February 7, 2021

Understanding What Causes IBD

James Lord, MD, PhD, has a simple way of explaining the immune system. “It’s not a homogenous pot of stew,” he says. “It’s a carefully orchestrated dance, and doing the right thing at the right time is critical. But it’s very hard to predict the choreography.”

Read Article

News

News Science in Seattle

Science in Seattle: Characterizing T Cell Responses to Enzymatically Modified Beta Cell Neo-Epitopes

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News Geek Wire

Studies on respiratory infections, type 1 diabetes, boosted with $17M to Benaroya Research Institute

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News Science in Seattle

Hybrid Insulin Peptides are Recognized by Human T Cells in the Context of DRB1*04:01

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