My research focuses principally on CD4 T cell memory, including the basic immunobiology of memory responses, and the role of memory CD4 T cells in anti-viral immunity, transplantation and autoimmunity.  We are taking multiple in vivo, cellular, biochemical and molecular approaches to study the mechanisms by which memory CD4 T cells can be generated, how they persist and undergo homeostasis in vivo, and how they mediate protective immunity to respiratory pathogens such as influenza.  In addition, we are studying how a memory T cell response can be modulated to optimize protective immunity to influenza and abrogate deleterious consequences of memory T cells in transplantation and autoimmunity.  Below, I describe three major themes of my research, including funding sources and future directions.

Current and Future Research Interests:  Donna L. Farber, Ph.D.

Memory CD4 T cells in anti-viral immunity

Signaling pathways for memory CD4 T cell recall and homeostasis

Memory T cells in Autoimmunity and Transplantation