The metabolic repertoire of immune cells – which encompasses metabolic enzymes/pathways, the available nutrient sensors and metabolic checkpoint kinases, and the epigenetic programming of metabolic genes – directly enables and modulates specific immune functions. Capitalizing on a large cohort of patients suffering from rare genetic immunodeficiency that have been whole-genome sequenced, our goal is to delineate the genetic and molecular basis of how cellular metabolism regulates immune-function in human health and disease states. Experimental approaches will involve genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and biochemistry with an aim to elucidating mechanisms that lead to new treatment approaches to inborn diseases of immunity.
