Dipica Haribhai studies the immune system's response during graft-versus-host disease, which occurs when transplanted immune cells mistakenly attack the recipient's own body. She investigates a specific type of immune cell, called CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, that the body produces in response to this adverse condition. These cells serve as natural suppressors, reducing the severity of the disease and possibly offering a backup system to traditional immune regulation techniques. Her research has implications for improving outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplants.
Key findings
CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are induced during graft-versus-host disease and can significantly reduce disease severity.
These immune cells can function independently to suppress harmful immune responses when traditional regulatory T cells are insufficient.
The identification of this backup mechanism may lead to the development of new treatments to prevent or mitigate complications following stem cell transplants.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Haribhai study graft-versus-host disease?
Yes, Dr. Haribhai focuses on graft-versus-host disease and how the immune system responds to this condition.
What types of immune cells does Dr. Haribhai research?
She studies CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, which are crucial in managing immune responses during transplant complications.
Is Dr. Haribhai's research relevant for transplant patients?
Absolutely, her work aims to improve treatments and outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplants.
Publications in plain English
Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis have decreased clonal diversity in the CD8T cell repertoire response to influenza vaccination.
2024
Frontiers in immunology
Sabbagh SE, Haribhai D, Gershan JA, Verbsky J, Nocton J +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) respond to the flu vaccine, focusing on a specific type of immune cell called CD8 T cells. The researchers found that these patients had fewer unique T cell responses to the flu virus compared to healthy individuals, meaning their immune response was less varied and less effective. This matters because it suggests that JIA patients may not be protected as well against the flu after vaccination.
Who this helps: This information helps doctors and health professionals better understand vaccine responses in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Corrigendum: Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis have decreased clonal diversity in the CD8T cell repertoire response to influenza vaccination.
2024
Frontiers in immunology
Sabbagh SE, Haribhai D, Gershan JA, Verbsky J, Nocton J +7 more
Plain English This research looked at how well the immune systems of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis respond to the flu vaccine. It found that these patients have a less diverse set of immune cells called CD8 T cells, which are important for fighting infections, compared to healthy individuals. This decreased diversity could mean their immune response to the vaccine is weaker, making it less effective for them.
Who this helps: Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
ABBV-184: A Novel Survivin-specific TCR/CD3 Bispecific T-cell Engager is Active against Both Solid Tumor and Hematologic Malignancies.
2023
Molecular cancer therapeutics
Chervin AS, Stone JD, Konieczna I, Calabrese KM, Wang N +11 more
Plain English This research focused on a new treatment called ABBV-184, designed to help the body's immune system fight certain types of cancer, specifically acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study found that ABBV-184 effectively activated and multiplied T cells, leading to successful destruction of cancer cells in lab tests with 100% of the AML patient samples responding positively. This discovery matters because it could lead to a new and effective therapy for patients struggling with these cancers.
Who this helps: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia and non-small cell lung cancer.
Venetoclax Increases Intratumoral Effector T Cells and Antitumor Efficacy in Combination with Immune Checkpoint Blockade.
2021
Cancer discovery
Kohlhapp FJ, Haribhai D, Mathew R, Duggan R, Ellis PA +19 more
Plain English This study looked at how venetoclax, a drug that blocks the BCL2 protein, affects the immune system's ability to fight cancer when combined with other treatments known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The researchers found that using venetoclax together with ICIs increased the number of effective immune cells (specifically, PD-1+ T effector memory cells) that can attack tumors. These findings suggest that combining venetoclax with ICIs could improve cancer treatments and should be tested in clinical settings.
Who this helps: This helps cancer patients who may benefit from improved immunotherapy options.
Age-Based Dynamics of a Stable Circulating Cd8 T Cell Repertoire Component.
2019
Frontiers in immunology
Naumova EN, Yassai MB, Demos W, Reed E, Unruh M +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific type of immune cells, called CD8 T cells, changes in different age groups and how their memory of past infections evolves. Researchers found that as people age, the diversity of these cells increases initially, but then both the diversity and stability decrease in older adults. This is important because understanding these changes can help improve vaccinations and treatments for infectious diseases as people get older.
Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving strategies for vaccination and disease treatment in different age groups.
Regulatory T Cells Control PF4/Heparin Antibody Production in Mice.
2019
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Zheng Y, Zhu W, Haribhai D, Williams CB, Aster RH +2 more
Plain English This study examined how certain immune cells, called regulatory T cells, control the production of antibodies that can cause a dangerous reaction to a common blood thinner, heparin. Researchers found that mice without these regulatory T cells produced harmful antibodies on their own, while introducing these cells stopped the antibody production in both normal and deficient mice. This matters because understanding how to regulate these antibodies can help prevent severe reactions in patients who need heparin.
Who this helps: This helps patients who are treated with heparin, particularly those at risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Intact Regulatory T-Cell Function but Defective Generation of IL-17A-Producing CD4+ T Cells in XIAP Deficiency.
2016
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Gurram B, Hammelev E, Syverson G, Haribhai D, Yan K +3 more
Plain English This study looked at a genetic condition called xIAP deficiency, which affects the immune system. Researchers found that while the special immune cells called T regulatory cells function normally in these patients, there is a problem with generating another type of immune cell that produces a substance called IL-17A. Specifically, they noticed that xIAP-deficient mice had significantly fewer IL-17A-producing cells compared to normal mice, which could explain some of the severe immune issues these patients experience.
Who this helps: This helps patients with xIAP deficiency and their doctors.
Alternatively Activated Macrophages Boost Induced Regulatory T and Th17 Cell Responses during Immunotherapy for Colitis.
2016
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Haribhai D, Ziegelbauer J, Jia S, Upchurch K, Yan K +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain immune cells, specifically iTreg and Th17 cells, respond during treatments for colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers found that in one type of mouse (C57BL/6), these cells were much lower in number compared to another type (BALB/c). When they used a specific treatment involving certain macrophages (M2a), it significantly increased the production of iTreg and Th17 cells, making the immunotherapy more effective.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with colitis and doctors who treat them by potentially improving immunotherapy outcomes.
Immunotherapy with iTreg and nTreg Cells in a Murine Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
2016
Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
Haribhai D, Chatila TA, Williams CB
Plain English The study looked at two types of regulatory T cells (iTreg and nTreg) and their roles in controlling inflammation in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers found that both types of Treg cells can help manage the immune system's response, which is crucial because uncontrolled responses are linked to IBD and other autoimmune diseases. By understanding how these cells work together, scientists hope to improve treatments for IBD and other conditions.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune disorders.
A colitogenic memory CD4+ T cell population mediates gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease.
2016
The Journal of clinical investigation
Zhou V, Agle K, Chen X, Beres A, Komorowski R +16 more
Plain English Researchers studied a specific type of immune cell called CD4+ T cells that can cause severe inflammation in the intestines during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious condition that can occur after organ transplants. They found that these unique CD4+ T cells are marked by a protein and can lead to increased inflammation, damage to the colon, and even higher death rates in models of GVHD. Specifically, these cells were responsible for producing harmful inflammatory signals, and their impact was intensified when another receptor called IL-23 was also present.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing organ transplants by improving understanding of GVHD-related complications.
TGF-β1 along with other platelet contents augments Treg cells to suppress anti-FVIII immune responses in hemophilia A mice.
2016
Blood advances
Haribhai D, Luo X, Chen J, Jia S, Shi L +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how components from platelets, particularly a protein called TGF-β1, can help boost a type of immune cell known as Treg cells in mice with hemophilia A. Researchers found that Treg cells generated from platelet contents were better at suppressing unwanted immune responses compared to those made with purified TGF-β1, showing significant differences in key genes related to immune function. This matters because it suggests that using platelet-derived cells could improve treatments for hemophilia A by enhancing the immune system's ability to tolerate factor VIII infusions.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with hemophilia A and their healthcare providers.
Depletion of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages delays cutaneous T-cell lymphoma development in vivo.
2014
The Journal of investigative dermatology
Wu X, Schulte BC, Zhou Y, Haribhai D, Mackinnon AC +3 more
Plain English Researchers studied the role of certain immune cells called macrophages in a type of skin cancer known as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). They found that when these macrophages were depleted in mice with human CTCL cells, tumor growth was significantly reduced—specifically, the tumors grew less in treated mice compared to untreated ones (with a statistical significance of P<0.001). This is important because it suggests that targeting these macrophages could be a new way to treat patients with CTCL more effectively.
Who this helps: Patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Mice with an absent stress response are protected against ischemic renal injury.
2014
Kidney international
Sreedharan R, Chen S, Miller M, Haribhai D, Williams CB +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how the body's stress response affects kidney damage during a lack of blood flow (ischemia). Researchers found that mice without a proper stress response (HSF-KO mice) experienced significantly less kidney damage compared to normal mice, with lower levels of a waste product called serum creatinine after the incident—specifically, their serum creatinine was lower than that of wild-type mice at 24 hours after blood flow was restored. This research matters because it shows that the absence of a stress response can actually protect the kidneys from injury, suggesting that managing this response could lead to better treatments for conditions affecting kidney health.
Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney issues, particularly those at risk for ischemic injury.
Chronic follicular bronchiolitis requires antigen-specific regulatory T cell control to prevent fatal disease progression.
2013
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Schmitt EG, Haribhai D, Jeschke JC, Co DO, Ziegelbauer J +6 more
Plain English This study looked at a type of chronic lung disease caused by the body's immune system attacking its own airways. Researchers used a special mouse model to mimic this disease and discovered that a specific type of immune cell, called regulatory T cells, plays a crucial role in keeping the inflammation under control. When these regulatory T cells were removed, the disease worsened quickly and became fatal, showing that they help prevent the condition from progressing uncontrollably.
Who this helps: This research is important for patients with autoimmune lung diseases, as it highlights the need for therapies that support regulatory T cells.
The TCR repertoires of regulatory and conventional T cells specific for the same foreign antigen are distinct.
2012
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Relland LM, Williams JB, Relland GN, Haribhai D, Ziegelbauer J +3 more
Plain English This study examined the differences between two types of immune cells, natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) and conventional T cells (Tconv), when they respond to the same foreign substance. Researchers found that the TCR (T cell receptor) sequences of nTregs were mostly different from those of Tconv, with only about 3.4% overlap in their sequences, indicating that these cells react in unique ways, which affects how they grow and function. Understanding these differences matters because it could lead to better treatments that target immune responses more effectively.
Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases and those needing improved immunotherapy options.
IL-10 produced by induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) controls colitis and pathogenic ex-iTregs during immunotherapy.
2012
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Schmitt EG, Haribhai D, Williams JB, Aggarwal P, Jia S +12 more
Plain English This study looked at two types of immune cells, natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) and induced regulatory T cells (iTregs), and their roles in managing inflammatory bowel disease (colitis). Researchers found that both types of cells worked together, with iTregs producing a protein called IL-10 that was crucial for reducing inflammation. In cases where nTregs lacked IL-10, iTregs effectively controlled colitis, highlighting that about 85% of transferred iTregs changed their nature to become more harmful over time. This research is important because it reveals how these immune cells interact and points to challenges in maintaining effective treatment during immunotherapy.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease by improving understanding of treatment strategies.
CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are induced during graft-versus-host disease and mitigate disease severity.
2012
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Beres AJ, Haribhai D, Chadwick AC, Gonyo PJ, Williams CB +1 more
Plain English Researchers discovered a new type of immune cell (CD8+ Foxp3+ cells) that the body creates when transplant patients develop graft-versus-host disease, a serious condition where transplanted immune cells attack the patient's own tissues.
These newly discovered cells act as peacekeepers—they suppress the harmful immune response and reduce disease severity, and they can even do this job alone if the body can't make the traditional peacekeeping cells that scientists previously knew about.
This matters because it reveals a backup mechanism the body uses to protect itself after stem cell transplants, which could lead to new treatments to prevent or reduce transplant complications.
A requisite role for induced regulatory T cells in tolerance based on expanding antigen receptor diversity.
2011
Immunity
Haribhai D, Williams JB, Jia S, Nickerson D, Schmitt EG +14 more
Plain English This study looked at two types of immune cells, natural regulatory T (nTreg) cells and induced regulatory T (iTreg) cells, to understand how they work together to prevent diseases like autoimmunity. Researchers found that while nTreg cells alone could save baby mice from dying from certain diseases, they couldn't stop chronic inflammation. When they combined nTreg cells with iTreg cells, the combination was much more effective, with iTreg cells playing a key role in enhancing the immune defense.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with autoimmune diseases by improving our understanding of immune responses and potential treatments.
Plain English Researchers studied how a specific group of proteins, called alpha-defensins, affects the bacteria living in the intestines of mice. They found that mice with human alpha-defensin genes had significant changes in the types of bacteria present but not in the total number of bacteria. Additionally, these mice showed fewer specific immune cells that are normally triggered by certain bacteria. This research highlights the important role of alpha-defensins in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for overall intestinal health.
Who this helps: This helps patients with gut-related health issues and doctors who treat them.
Phospholipase C{gamma}1 is essential for T cell development, activation, and tolerance.
2010
The Journal of experimental medicine
Fu G, Chen Y, Yu M, Podd A, Schuman J +9 more
Plain English This study looked at a protein called Phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) and its role in the development and functioning of T cells, which are important for our immune response. The researchers found that mice lacking PLCgamma1 had a significant drop in T cells, leading to a weakened immune system and increased risk of inflammation and autoimmune disease. Specifically, there was a reduction in T cells responsible for regulating immune responses, which could lead to health issues.
Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases and doctors working in immunology.
Plain English This study looked at how special immune cells called regulatory T cells are selected in the thymus, particularly focusing on how strongly these cells recognize certain peptides. The researchers found that these cells are selected based on the strength of their peptide interactions, but the process for a specific protein they produce, Foxp3, happens separately and requires strong stimulation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial because it can help improve treatments for autoimmune diseases where immune regulation is disrupted.
Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases and their doctors.
A central role for induced regulatory T cells in tolerance induction in experimental colitis.
2009
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Haribhai D, Lin W, Edwards B, Ziegelbauer J, Salzman NH +5 more
Plain English This study examined a type of immune cell called induced regulatory T cells (iT(reg) cells) and their role in controlling inflammation in the intestines during colitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the bowel. Researchers found that iT(reg) cells worked similarly to natural regulatory T cells (nT(reg) cells) in preventing the immune system from overreacting; when both types of cells were present, colitis was resolved. The presence of iT(reg) cells significantly helped reduce symptoms of bowel disease, highlighting their importance in maintaining a healthy immune response.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and doctors treating them.
The role of NF-kappaB and Smad3 in TGF-beta-mediated Foxp3 expression.
2009
European journal of immunology
Jana S, Jailwala P, Haribhai D, Waukau J, Glisic S +6 more
Plain English This study focused on how two proteins, NF-kappaB and Smad3, influence the expression of Foxp3, a key factor needed for a type of immune cell that helps prevent the body from attacking itself. Researchers found that removing Smad3 significantly reduced the generation of these protective cells, and that certain pathways involving NF-kappaB also affected the levels of Foxp3 produced. Understanding these mechanisms is important because it can help researchers figure out why some immune systems malfunction in autoimmune diseases and improve treatments that involve generating these protective immune cells.
Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases and their doctors.
Impaired survival of peripheral T cells, disrupted NK/NKT cell development, and liver failure in mice lacking Gimap5.
2008
Blood
Schulteis RD, Chu H, Dai X, Chen Y, Edwards B +13 more
Plain English This study explored the role of a gene called Gimap5 in mice and how its absence affects the immune system and liver function. Researchers found that mice without Gimap5 had poor development and survival of important immune cells, specifically T cells and natural killer cells, and they only survived about 15 weeks. The lack of this gene led to severe liver damage and dysfunction, highlighting its importance in both the immune response and liver health.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with autoimmune diseases and doctors who treat them.
Regulatory T cell development in the absence of functional Foxp3.
2007
Nature immunology
Lin W, Haribhai D, Relland LM, Truong N, Carlson MR +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific protein called Foxp3 affects the development of regulatory T cells, which are important for controlling immune responses. Researchers found that while these immune cells can develop without a functioning Foxp3, they lose their ability to suppress other immune cells. This is important because it clarifies that Foxp3 is needed for the suppressive function of these cells, but not for their initial development.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors better understand autoimmune diseases and how to improve treatments.
Regulatory T cells dynamically control the primary immune response to foreign antigen.
2007
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Haribhai D, Lin W, Relland LM, Truong N, Williams CB +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how a small group of regulatory T cells helps control the body's immune response to new foreign substances, like viruses or bacteria. Researchers found that during the initial immune response, the number of regulatory T cells increased much more than the number of regular T cells, with regulatory T cells multiplying significantly to manage the immune reaction. This is important because it shows a balance where more regulatory T cells lead to a better control of the immune response, which could inform treatments for conditions where the immune system overreacts.
Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases and those receiving immunotherapy.
Allergic dysregulation and hyperimmunoglobulinemia E in Foxp3 mutant mice.
2005
The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
Lin W, Truong N, Grossman WJ, Haribhai D, Williams CB +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how a genetic mutation in mice affects allergic reactions and inflammation. The researchers found that mice with this mutation developed severe allergic symptoms, including high levels of IgE (a type of antibody linked to allergies) and increased white blood cells called eosinophils. Importantly, when another gene was disrupted, it reduced these allergy symptoms and prolonged the mice's lives, suggesting that targeting this pathway could help manage allergies.
Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with severe allergies and doctors seeking new treatment strategies.
Functional reprogramming of the primary immune response by T cell receptor antagonism.
2004
The Journal of experimental medicine
Haribhai D, Edwards B, Williams ML, Williams CB
Plain English Researchers studied how a T cell receptor antagonist affects the immune response in mice. They found that when T cells are activated in the presence of this antagonist, the immune response is significantly altered, leading to changes in how T cells move and their ability to effectively fight infections, ultimately resulting in cell death for some. This is important because it reveals that this antagonist can change the immune system's effectiveness without halting cell division, suggesting different pathways for growth and function.
Who this helps: This helps patients with immune-related conditions and doctors seeking better treatments.
A threshold for central T cell tolerance to an inducible serum protein.
2003
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Haribhai D, Engle D, Meyer M, Donermeyer D, White JM +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how different levels of a specific protein in the body affect the immune system's tolerance to it, particularly focusing on T cells, which are a type of immune cell. Researchers found that when the protein levels increased from almost undetectable (<0.1 ng/ml) to 1.5 ng/ml, the mice's immune systems became fully tolerant to it. This finding reveals that even very small amounts of a protein can influence how effectively the immune system tolerates it, which is crucial for understanding autoimmune conditions.
Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases by providing insights into how the immune system can be better regulated.