Repair after injury is a fundamental biologic process that is essential for lung health. Our lab studies the role of phagocytes and phagocytosis during tissue repair. We explore how the different types of “meals” engulfed by phagocytes uniquely impact phagocyte function. In particular, we are interested in how engulfment of apoptotic cells is able to prime phagocytes for repair. We are also working to understand the heterogeneity of lung phagocytes, particularly macrophages, and describe their locations and functions following lung injury.
Current Projects
- Macrophage metabolic response to apoptotic cell engulfment
- Fibroblast-cell corpse interactions during lung repair
- Macrophage heterogeneity in the lung
Publications
Alexandra McCubbrey, PhD
McCubbrey AL, McManus SA, McClendon JD, Thomas SM, Chatwin HB, Reisz JA, D'Alessandro A, Mould KJ, Bratton DL, Henson PM, Janssen WJ. Polyamine import and accumulation causes immunomodulation in macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells. Cell Rep. 2022 Jan 11;38(2):110222. PMID: 35021097
McCubbrey AL, Barthel L, Mohning MP, Redente EF, Mould KJ, Thomas SM, Leach SM, Danhorn T, Gibbings SL, Jakubzick CV, Henson PM, Janssen WJ. Deletion of c-FLIP from CD11bhi Macrophages Prevents Development of Bleomycin-induced Lung Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2018 Jan;58(1):66-78. PMID: 28850249