Janis Burkhardt

Background

About Janis Burkhardt

My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms through which cytoskeletal dynamics control the immune response. I have a broad background in cell biology and immunology, having studied protein traffic in B cells, biogenesis and motility of lytic granules in cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, and cytoskeletal control of phagocytosis in macrophages. Current research in my laboratory addresses the function of actin regulatory networks at the immunological synapse and distal pole complex. Using a combination of biochemical and microscopy-based approaches, we have identified many of the mechanisms though which specific receptors, kinases and adapter molecules choreograph the T cell cytoskeletal response. Now, we are striving to understand how actin dynamics in turn shape T cell and dendritic cell function. The long term goal of our work is to understand how defects in cytoskeletal dynamics result in immunodeficiency and autoimmunity, and how cytoskeletal proteins can be manipulated to optimize vaccine development. In addition to my research interests, I have a longstanding commitment to graduate education. In particular, I have played an active role in promoting a diverse trainee pool and fostering graduate and postdoctoral training for a broad range of science careers.