Vines Lab

Our laboratory is interested in studying the cell biology of immunological events. Specifically, we are examining the contribution of this receptor to the secondary immune response. We have defined roles for CCR7 in the targeting of cells to different sites, that control the extent of the immune response.

Current Research Initiatives

Collaboration with Dr. Monica Justice

We are collaborating with Dr. Monica Justice to develop an inducible mouse model of T-ALL that can be used to monitor trafficking of cells into and out of the CNS, so that we can better understand the molecular mechanisms that underly these processes. We are interested in understanding the behavior of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells that express CCR7, which enter the central nervous system.

Thesis/Dissertation Proposal!

Several graduate and doctoral students have successfully completed the process of proposing their thesis or dissertation work. This includes Michael Brissette, Anahi Sanchez, and Angel Torres! We’re all very excited for them to take this essential step towards fulfilling their degree requirements.

Graduation and Semester Wind Down!

Congratulations to all graduating members of Vines lab in the Summer Class of 2024. We are very proud of the hard work, dedication and tireless effort you have put in!

Significance of our research

Our laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding the differential signaling events that are induced by the two ligands that bind to C-C chemokine receptor 7(CCR7). These studies have described differential recruitment of signaling effectors that interact with CCR7 following engagement of its two ligands CCL19 and CCL21 and have led to our two main areas of research.