The main focus of the Bettelli Lab is to identify the cell types of the immune system and mechanisms, which induce and regulate the development of autoimmunity.
Estelle Bettelli, PhD
Lab Members
Yevgeniy Yuzefpolskiy, PhD
Research Projects
Control of the Immune Response by DOCK8
The lab has been studying the mechanisms by which DOCK8 modulates the function of adaptive and innate cells and contributes to the progression of autoimmunity.
Mechanisms of T Cell Differentiation and Pathogenicity
T cells differentiate in different subsets of effector T helper (Th) cells and have specialized effector functions.
Mechanisms of T Cell Regulation
The Bettelli Lab has discovered that Th cells producing IFN-g, IL-17 and GM-CSF are differentially regulated by Tregs during the course of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity.
Modulation of the Immune Response by STAT1
Using loss and gain of function models, the Bettelli Lab is currently investigating how STAT1-mediated signaling modulates the function of different immune cells and participates in the pathogenesis of different autoimmune diseases.
Featured Publications
Diminished responses to mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis on immune modifying therapies.
JCI Insight
STAT1 signaling protects self-reactive T cells from control by innate cells during neuroinflammation.
JCI Insight
Cutting Edge: Effect of Disease-Modifying Therapies on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced Immune Responses in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.
Journal of Immunology
Cutting Edge: DOCK8 Regulates a Subset of Dendritic Cells That Is Critical for the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.
Journal of Immunology
Circulating TFH cells as a marker for early therapeutic intervention in T1D.
Nature Immunology
Fundamental Research is Paving the Way for New MS Treatments
BRI's Estelle Bettelli, PhD, is investigating whether targeting resident memory T cells could lead to new therapies for multiple sclerosis.
Investigating a Little-Understood Cell in MS
Find out how Estelle Bettelli, PhD, and her team are examining guardian cells that may play a big role in MS.
What Do T Cells Like to Eat? The Answer Could Stop Multiple Sclerosis
Cells, like people, get their energy from sugars, proteins and fats. Many cells have highly specialized diets — think of some loving kale while others prefer Texas BBQ.
News
Benaroya Research Institute Awarded 16 Million Across 18 Grants in First Half of 2026 to Predict, Prevent, Reverse and Cure Immune System Diseases
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Benaroya Research Institute Awarded $13 Million Across 13 Grants in Last Half of 2025 to Predict, Prevent, Reverse and Cure Immune System Diseases
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