Roger Tieu

I am an MD/PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh-Carnegie Mellon University MSTP (Medical Scientist Training Program). I received my PhD in immunology with Dr. Fadi Lakkis at the Starzl Transplantation Institute, studying the biology of tissue resident memory T cells and their contribution towards rejection of transplanted organs, in particular the kidney. I found that cognate antigen and non-cognate IL-15 presentation mediate the function and maintenance of resident memory T cells in renal allografts. Disrupting either of these pathways prevented chronic rejection and preserved graft function.

Prior to coming to the city of bridges, I studied biology and chemistry at Emory University. While completing my degrees, I worked as an undergraduate researcher with Drs. Francois Villinger and Sanjeev Gumber, studying the role of TIM-3 and galectin-9 in modulating adaptive and innate immune function in the setting of chronic viral infection.

I am fascinated by the intricacy of the immune system. From a teleological viewpoint, immunologists viewed the function of the immune system as to distinguish self from non-self and thereby preserve the overall homeostasis of the organism. However, in recent years, a surge of new findings have provided evidence that the immune system is intimately intertwined with the other organ systems of the body. As a physician-scientist, I intend to explore the mysteries and interconnectedness of the immune system as a means to better understand and treat human disease.