Researchers are generating DNA-barcoded HLA class II tetramer reagents and developing methods to analyze antigen-specific CD4+ T cells using single-cell RNA sequencing.
With DNA-barcoded tetramers, T cells recognizing up to 100 different epitopes can be studied within a single blood sample. By combining these reagents with single-cell sequencing technologies, researchers can examine thousands of antigen-specific T cells in parallel. This approach allows for detailed analysis of the specificity, TCR clonotypes, surface protein expression, and gene expression profiles of individual T cells.
Current work focuses on allergen- and pathogen-specific T cells. Researchers use this approach to identify features that distinguish epitope-specific T cells and better understand their development and differentiation.
Additional Research Projects
Allergen-Specific CD4+ T Cells in Allergy and Immunotherapy
The Kwok Lab uses class II tetramer reagents to study allergen-specific CD4+ T cells and understand how these cells change during immunotherapy.
CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Responses to Shingrix Vaccination
The Kwok Lab studies CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses following Shingrix vaccination to better understand how the vaccine provides long-lasting protection against shingles.
Autoreactive CD4+ T Cells in Type 1 Diabetes
The Kwok Lab uses second-generation tetramer reagents to detect and characterize autoreactive CD4+ T cells during type 1 diabetes immunotherapy.
