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The Lawson Lab is involved in research on immune-compromising viral diseases, including HIV, as well as immune-based autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

In the case of HIV, our work is centered on the development of CAR T cells and hematopoietic stem cell immunotherapies through lentiviral- and transposon-based vectors. We aim to utilize single-chain variable fragments (scFVs) derived from broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies to identify and destroy host cells that produce the virus.

As for autoimmune diseases, our strategy involves two main approaches. First, we are creating CAR T cells within models of SLE to establish the idea that these cells can effectively eliminate potentially harmful effector cells. These include long-lived plasma cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and B cells.

Secondly, we're investigating the mechanisms that inhibit the maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the CNS. We aim to understand whether we can repurpose existing drugs to allow these precursor cells to fully develop into myelinating oligodendrocytes.

Brian Lawson, PhD