Research Focus

The Malek lab studies IL-2, a cytokine that promotes immune tolerance through its action on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and immunity by enhancing T effector (Teff) and memory responses. Low and high IL-2R signaling thresholds support Treg and Teff responses, respectively, providing a therapeutic window to treat patients with autoimmunity or cancer. Current studies examine how a novel IL-2R agonist, IL-2/CD25, boosts Treg and Teff cells by focusing on the cellular dynamics within inflamed autoimmune target tissues or the tumor microenvironment. Other studies investigate how IL-2/CD25 impacts gene expression and chromatin remodeling to support therapeutic responses in pre-clinical mouse models of autoimmunity and cancer. Crispr/Cas9 gene editing is used to define IL-2-dependent processes in human Tregs. A human version of IL-2/CD25 is also under clinical development. Thus, these studies illustrate a bench-to-bedside approach that translates basic science findings toward new therapies for patients with autoimmunity or cancer.