Dr. Ley's Research Team

Dr. Lyu is working on two projects, integrin activation and T cell population identification.

Integrin activation is essential for neutrophil and monocyte rolling, arrest, adhesion and transmigration. Kindlin3 and talin1 are well-known to be required for integrin activation. However, the exact mechanism of integrin activation has not been fully understood. By using quantitative dynamic footprint microscope, Co-ip, and intravital microscopy, we aim to visualize the dynamics of kindlin3 and talin1 in vivo and vitro in neutrophil during integrin activation, and figure out protein interactome during integrin activation.

Cytotoxic T cells are critical for eliminating infected cells. The Ley lab recently found a new population of cytotoxic CD4 T cells that seem to be important in chronic inflammatory disease and auto-immune diseases. In this project, we aim to identify how CD4 cytotoxic T cells develop and function.