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Brian Evavold Lab

    What we are about!

    The Evavold Lab is focused on studying how T cells interact with their antigens. Through the use of our novel and sensitive Micropipette assay we are able to determine single bond T Cell Receptor (TCR) affinity for peptide restricted by MHC (pMHC) in T cell subset populations. Our Biomembrane Force Probe is able to analyze TCR:pMHC bond lifetimes under force. Together, Micropipette and BFP analysis of cells provide a clearer picture of T cell interactions with antigens associated with self and pathogens.

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    The Evavold Lab is focused on studying how T cells interact with their antigens. Through the use of our novel and sensitive Micropipette assay we are able to determine single bond T Cell Receptor (TCR) affinity for peptide restricted by MHC (pMHC) in T cell subset populations. Our Biomembrane Force Probe is able to analyze TCR:pMHC bond lifetimes under force. Together, Micropipette and BFP analysis of cells provide a clearer picture of T cell interactions with antigens associated with self and pathogens.

    Current Projects

    Auto-immunity

    Coming Soon

    Infection

    Coming Soon

    Micropipette of T Cell and Coated Red Blood Cell

    Micropipette of T Cell and Coated Red Blood Cell

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    Brian D. Evavold, PhD

    Chief, Division of Microbiology and Immunology

    George J. Weber Presidential Endowed Chair in Immunology Professor, Chief Division of Microbiology and Immunology Department of Pathology University of Utah

    My research centers on how antigen recognition by T cells determines cell phenotype, fate, and outcome of the adaptive immune response. Understanding the mechanisms driving T cell activation provides novel insight into the basis of autoimmune disease and effective response to infections.

    Email: brian.evavold@path.utah.edu

    Baoyu Liu, PhD

    Research Assistant Professor

    My research focuses on T cell antigen recognition and how it determines T cell responses. I use ultrasensitive two-dimensional (2D) methods to analyze T cell antigen recognition by measuring 2D kinetics of T cell receptor (TCR) and coreceptor (CD4/8) interacting with pMHC on live T cells at the single molecule/single cell level. I am currently working on a project looking at how diabetogenic CD8 T cells recognize beta-cell self-antigens and how 2D kinetics parameters correlate with type I diabetes. I am generally interested in the application of 2D methods to further our understanding of T cell antigen recognition in the broad context of viral infection, autoimmune diseases, and tumor immunology.

    Email: baoyu.liu@utah.edu

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    Elizabeth M. Kolawole, PhD

    Research Assistant Professor

    My major interests lie in dissecting how TCR interacts with antigen as it occurs in 2D at the cell surface. As the cell membrane environment affects these protein interactions, my projects focus on the role that dietary fatty acids play in altering T cell affinity, force and cell flexibility for both infection and autoimmune disease.
     

    Email: emkolawole@path.utah.edu
     

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    Doug Cornwall, PhD

    Postdoctoral Fellow

    I am currently broadly interested in how both genetic diversity and T-cell repertoire diversity influence T-cell responses to disease. I am trying to understand these diverse T-cell responses by using wild derived mice along with inbred strains to compare the dynamics of response to disease, either autoimmune or pathogenic. On a more personal note, my interests also include any outdoor activity that will get me into the mountains. Once I am there I do a lot of hunting, fishing, photography or just take a moment and relax.

    Email:doug.cornwall@path.utah.edu

    Email

    Mike Faust

    Graduate Student

    Hey, I’m Mike! I’m originally from Philly but completed my undergrad at Kalamazoo College in Michigan. I joined the Evavold Lab because of our spectrum of interests involving all things T cell immunology. My projects investigate both the CD4 and CD8 T cell response during EAE, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. For CD4 T cells, my research questions address why this disease occurs in addition to whether we can therapeutically target antigen specific CD4 T cells. My CD8 T cell project is investigating what their role in disease progression is in addition to dissecting the requirements for their activation. When I’m not in the lab, I’m still a busy body. I enjoy working out, hiking with my dog, skiing in the winter, and playing any sports with my friends. I’m also an avid reader when it’s time to lay low.

    Email:michael.faust@path.utah.edu

    Email

    Viva Rase

    Graduate Student

    I was born and grew up in Denver, Colorado, before moving to Greeley, Colorado, where I got my B.S. and my M.S. in biological sciences at the University of Northern Colorado. As a master’s student, I studied cancer immunology. Specifically, my research was focused on interactions between type III T helper cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells, and mammary carcinoma. During this time, I was lucky enough to have two mentors, Dr. James Haughian and Dr. Nicholas Pullen, who helped me realize my interest in research and T cell immunology. I chose to come to the University of Utah to pursue a PhD because I wanted to join Dr. Brian Evavold’s lab. I am interested in how T cells interact with antigen to trigger activation in both autoimmunity and cancer. I also enjoy learning about mast cells. Outside of science I like art and making pottery.

    Email:viva.rase@path.utah.edu

    Email

    Jenna Reed

    Graduate Student

    I grew up here in Salt Lake City but went across the country to complete my undergraduate work at Davidson College in North Carolina. There,I spent two years researching in Dr. Karen Bernd’s lab,  where  I  studied the cytotoxic  effects  of  hookah  tobacco  smoke,  examining  how alteringsmoking   conditions (pipe   size, tobacco   flavorings)affectedalveolar   cell   viability.After graduation,  I  moved  to  Washington  D.C.,  where  I completedan  M.S.  in  Biohazardous  Threat Agents  &  Emerging  Infectious  Diseases  from  Georgetown  University. During  my  pre-doctoral studies, I also spent three years working for the federal government, and I hope to one day return to public service. For my Ph.D., I decided to return to Utah, and I now jointly work in the labs of Drs.  Tracey  Lamb  and  Brian  Evavold.  My  research  centers  on  the  lung, determininghow Plasmodiumsequestrationmodulates  the  immune  response  and elucidatingthe  effect  on secondary  respiratory  pathogens.Outside  of  my  research  career,  I  enjoyexploring  all  the recreation Utah has to offer, particularlyhiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and archery. I also like toexpress my creativity through dance, nature photography,and watercolor painting.

    Email: jenna.reed@path.utah.edu

    Email

    Tao Liu

    Lab Technician

    Undergraduate Students

    Annie Pugmire

    Undergraduate Student

    Lab Alumni

    Linda Morrison

    Lab Manager

    Hiran Maye Thyagarajan, PhD

    Postdoctoral Fellow

    Daniel Goldgar

    Lab Technician

    Rakieb Andargachew, PhD

    Ryan Martinez, PhD

    Jesica Jacobs, PhD

    Jennifer Hood, PhD

    Anna Kersh, PhD

    Dennis Neeld, PhD

    Jennifer Cosby, PhD

    Lori Blanchfield, PhD

    Joe Sabatino, PhD

    Shayla Shorter, PhD

    Mandy Ford, PhD

    Maria Bettini, PhD

    Living in Utah

    Living in Utah

    We are always looking for talented and motivated post docs and graduate students to work on any of the many projects we have ongoing in the lab. You will have the multitude of resources available through the University and join a wonderful group of post docs and graduate students that are pushing the envelope of T cell biology. If you are interested in joining the team, please email your CV to Brian Evavold.

    2021

    Brian Evavold, PhD and Peter Jensen, MD named AAI Distinguished Fellows

    Brian Evavold, PhD and Professor of Pathology, and Peter Jensen, MD and Professor and Chair of Pathology have both been recognized as American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Distinguished Fellows.

    According to AAI, “This program annually recognizes members for distinguished careers and outstanding scientific contributions as well as their service to AAI and the immunology community. It honors active, long-term members (25 or more years) who have demonstrated one or more of the following: excellence in research accomplishment in the field of immunology; exceptional leadership to the immunology community in academia, foundations, nonprofits, industry, or government at a national or international level; notable distinction as an educator. Election as a Distinguished Fellow is among the highest honors bestowed by AAI.”

    We join in celebrating this recognition of the incredible careers of Drs. Jensen and Evavold.

     

    American Association of Immunologists awards Public Policy Fellowship to Pathology postdoc Jesica Jacobs

    Dr. Jesica Jacobs, a post doctoral fellow in Dr. Brian Evavold’s lab in the Division of Microbiology and Immunology, has been awarded a Public Policy Fellowship from the American Association of Immunologists. Each year, the AAI selects up to 10 junior scientists from across the nation to participate in this prestigious program. Public Policy Fellows participate in advocacy for scientific funding on Capitol Hill along with members of the AAI Committee on Public Affairs, which includes Pathology Chairman Dr. Peter Jensen. Fellows are given the opportunity to meet with their district’s Congressional representatives and other legislators on the Hill to help shape the future of biomedical research. Dr. Jacobs is the first Fellow to be selected from the University of Utah.

    Contact Us

    Brian Evavold, PhD

    George J. Weber Presidential Endowed Chair in Immunology
    Professor, Chief
    Division of Microbiology and Immunology
    Department of Pathology
    University of Utah

    Office Phone: (801) 585-9689