Site-specific autoimmune diseases
The Chang Lab studies T cell biology and site-specific autoimmune diseases with a focus on disease chronicity and flares.
Tissue resident memory T cells in arthritis
We previously showed that resident memory T cells accumulate in the synovium after inflammation, facilitating joint-specific memory in arthritis and mediating arthritis flares. We are investigating what drives synovial resident memory T cell development, how these cells interact with stromal cells in an inflamed environment, and what factors help maintain resident memory T cells in joint tissues.
Targeting resident memory T cells and joint specific memory in arthritis
As resident memory T cells contribute to the chronicity of arthritis, we are developing novel approaches to target these memory T cells in the synovium.
Patterns of inflammation in ocular fluid of autoimmune uveitis
Uveitis is a chronic disease with poor remission rates. We established a uveitis biorepository of ocular fluid samples and blood samples from patients with uveitis as well as controls. We are investigating the cytokine and cellular content of uveitis ocular fluid to gain insight into the drivers of persistent disease.
Longitudinal profiling of autoimmune uveitis
We established a repository of longitudinal blood samples from patients with uveitis at the time of flare and during remission. We are investigating the immune mediators of uveitis flare with the goal of identifying predictors of uveitis disease activity.