The Payton Lab is a “damp” lab that integrates -omics discovery via bioinformatic analysis of large datasets with cellular and molecular experimental models to elucidate novel regulatory mechanisms. Our lab is split between three areas of research: Pathogen-mediated disruption of host immune response, mechanisms of therapy resistance and progression in lymphoma, and the role of inhibitory immune receptors in modulating immunity. We study pathogen-mediated disruption of immune response, modeled by RSV, with epigenetic mapping techniques. We study mechanisms of progression in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma patients, and we study inhibitory immune receptors (specifically, LAIR1) in bacterial infections of mice. More information can be found in our introductory slideshow.
Mechanisms of Therapy Resistance & Progression in Lymphoma
We are performing an investigator-initiated Phase I/II clinical trial, NCT04652960, headed by collaborator Dr. Mehta-Shah that tests combination PI3Kγ/δ inhibition (duvelisib) with PD-1 blockade (nivolumab) in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma patients. In addition, we are conducting various ongoing studies of mechanisms that drive progression and therapy resistance in human T-Cell lymphoma. One of our published papers on this subject: Novel cell adhesion/migration pathways are predictive markers of HDAC inhibitor resistance in cutaneous T cell lymphoma
Role of Inhibitory Immune Receptors in Modulating Immunity
Our ongoing studies use mouse models to elucidate the role of LAIR1 in immune response and immunopathology in invasive bacterial infections. Our current available projects are: LAIR1 protein interactions, LAIR1 downstream signaling, and LAIR1’s impact on gene regulation. One of our published papers on this subject: LPS and type I and II interferons have opposing effects on epigenetic regulation of LAIR1 expression in mouse and human macrophages
Pathogen-Mediated Disruption of Host Immune Response
Our ongoing studies in this field use epigenetic mapping techniques to determine the impact of RSV viral proteins— as well as those of other RNA viruses— on epigenetic remodeling in primary human cells and tissues, and their ultimate impact on host immune response. One of our published papers on this subject: Nuclear-localized human respiratory syncytial virus NS1 protein modulates host gene transcription