Dr. Jameson studies the regulation of CD8 T cell development, homeostasis, and function. A major focus has been the factors, including cytokines, that induce and maintain protective memory CD8 T cells, capable of efficient control of pathogens and tumors. A related interest is on T cell trafficking, including the cues that determine whether memory T cells patrol around the body (recirculating) or remain in tissues (resident). In particular, we explore the regulation of T cell trafficking by KLF2 and related transcription factors, testing how manipulation of T cell migration can be used to tailor T cell function. Other studies investigate the role of the innate immune "danger" signal receptor P2RX7, which we showed is also critical for supporting survival and metabolic fitness of long-lived memory CD8+ T cells; analysis of non-deletional mechanisms of immunological tolerance as a means to avoid autoimmunity; and work on the immune response to pathogens and allergens in mice with normal microbial experience (also called 'dirty' mice), which we showed are a more faithful model of the adult human immune system.
