Research: Pregnancy is an immunological phenomenon, especially in the context of CD8 T cell biology. At the maternal fetal interface (MFI), CD8 T cells can provide effective host defense against pathogens, while simultaneously needing to remain tolerant to foreign fetal antigens. CD8 T cells accumulate at the maternal fetal interface (MFI); however, the mechanisms driving CD8 T cell migration to the MFI are unknown. My research focuses on investigating the mechanisms and factors driving the recruitment and retention of CD8 T cells to the MFI. In order to achieve the most similarities to human reproductive immunology, my research focuses on utilizing the natural microbial exposure (NME) mouse model and allogeneic matings.
Publications:
Whillock, A., Smith, P., et al. Natural microbial exposure populates the maternal fetal interface with diverse T cells. Frontiers in Immunology. 2025, Jul 9;16:1616491. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1616491. PMID: 40703520; PMCID: PMC12283277.
