The Tissue Immunity team at the Allen Institute investigates how immune cells establish and maintain protection within tissues. While traditional immunology has focused on the blood and lymphoid organs, critical immune responses occur directly at tissue sites such as the intestine, lung, and skin. Our research centers on tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells), a specialized population that remains embedded within tissues to provide rapid and durable local immunity.

We integrate studies in human tissues and genetic mouse models, combining the strengths of both systems to uncover the principles that govern tissue-specific immune adaptation. Fundamental mechanistic studies in mice allow precise dissection of the molecular and cellular pathways that drive immune cell residency, while human research captures the complexity and diversity of tissue immunity in health and disease. Using spatial transcriptomics, single-cell profiling, genetic perturbations, and computational analysis, we define how tissue environments imprint immune cell fate, function, and organization.

Our goal is to build a comprehensive spatial map of tissue immunity and to translate mechanistic insights into new strategies to guide immune responses. These approaches aim to direct immune cells to target tissues, enhance protective immunity at sites of infection or tumors, or selectively dampen harmful inflammation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.