McGeachy lab
Exploring Th17 functions in lymph nodes and beyond
IL-17: not always the bad guy
Th17 cells gained notoriety for driving autoimmune inflammation, but they are also important regulators of microbiota and healing at tissue barrier sites. Fascinated by how the immune system maintains balance, we study activation of Th17 cells and the functions of IL-17 during both beneficial and damaging immune responses. We have uncovered surprising roles for IL-17 acting on stromal cells in lymph nodes to promote antibody production and in some contexts reduce inflammation. Hence interactions between Th17 cells and fibroblastic reticular cells has become one of the major topics of interest in our lab. There is still much to discover, we are looking for curious minds to join us!
Lab Philosophy
Follow the science: Often the most interesting discoveries come from the unexpected data. So proving your PI wrong is encouraged, and we come up with new hypotheses and develop experiments based on data not dogma.
Collaborate: By working with wonderful colleagues at Cornell, Pitt and beyond, we can follow the science into new (for us) areas of research, from autoimmunity to infection, T cells to stromal cells to B cells. To us, this is what makes science exciting!
Foster Diversity and Inclusion: Different cultural, gender, racial and training backgrounds bring different scientific approaches and insight. We believe that diversity not only makes academic research more interesting and fun, it is critically important to bring innovation and new advances that promote human health. Fostering an inclusive environment where everybody feels valued and heard is an important value for our lab, and Dr McGeachy aims to be an advocate for women and under-represented minorities in their scientific careers.
