Dr. Sean Stowell

Overview:

Our studies seek to leverage new tools capable of defining the dynamic nature of cell surface glycans on immune cells and microbes. This approach has provided insight into the role of glycans in immune cell development and differentiation, in addition to how interactions with distinct microbial glycans shape immune function. Investigations in "glycoimmunology" have uncovered fundamental aspects of many clinically relevant areas, including mechanisms underlying blood transfusion alloimmunity and incompatibility, transplant rejection, susceptibility to infectious diseases, neoplastic immune cell evasion, and autoimmunity. By unraveling the complexities of the glycome and the consequences of these modifications on immune function, our group aims to develop novel strategies that leverage glycoimmunology to more favorably treat a wide range of immune-related diseases.