Enzyme Predisposes to Autoimmune Disorders

Bottini’s laboratory is studying an enzyme called lymphoid phosphatase, which acts as a critical gatekeeper of the activation of immune cells. Individuals carrying a particular genetic variant of this enzyme are predisposed to a variety of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this research project, Dr. Bottini will examine the activity of this enzyme and the genetic variant to help clarify the mechanism of this enzyme in autoimmunity and validate it as a target for new drugs aimed at preventing and treating human autoimmune diseases.