Expertise: lupus, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, T cell, B cell, immunology, autoimmunity
Bio: Peng is working to uncover the molecular and genetic underpinnings of autoimmune conditions such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and some forms of arthritis. His lab was the first to find firm experimental evidence supporting a radical new theory for what immune cells are like when they're not attacking an invader. Peng's group identified proteins that restrain T cells and B cells when they're off duty, proving that the immune system has to actively work to keep the cells in check to prevent them from erroneously attacking the self. Loss of this regulation may contribute to autoimmune disorders.
