Riitta Lahesmaa, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Interests:

We are interested in understanding molecular mechanisms of regulation of human immune response and pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and other human immune mediated diseases. T cells orchestrate our immune system and a proper balance of T cells is crucial for immune defense in healthy individuals. In autoimmune diseases, out-of-control T cells drive pathologic inflammatory responses with devastating consequences for patients. Our studies have resulted in the identification of novel molecular mechanisms and new regulators of T cell functions.
Our projects in progress focus on

• Factors and regulatory networks controlling human T-cell differentiation and function
• Early immune response in children who develop Type 1 Diabetes to understand the disease process and to identify new biomarkers to improve predicting, monitoring, and early diagnosis.