In 2026, preventing ulcerative colitis and expanding our ability to develop state-of-the-art models using human cells are two key priorities for our lab research. In the clinic, I'm so proud that two initiatives that started as ideas in BRI labs just entered human trials. One is for IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that impacts the kidneys, based on research from the Khor Lab. The other, I’ve been working toward for most of my career: Engineering regulatory T cells (Tregs) to treat autoimmune diseases.

In this issue of Powering Possibility, you’ll learn how the building blocks for engineering Tregs started in a renovated closet in Bothell, with a small but mighty team led by BRI’s Steven Ziegler, PhD. The discovery of Tregs — which won the most recent Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine — and the work that followed shows what’s possible when scientists follow their curiosity and relentlessly work to improve treatments and care. As we continue to weather uncertainty, this story reminds us why we do what we do.

BRI community: Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for fueling innovations and helping us build a resilient future. Because of you, we know that we can keep moving forward, despite the uncertainty — and move steadfastly toward our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone.

Sincerely,
Jane Buckner, MD