Biostatistics Research Day is an annual departmental event that showcases student research and promotes interdisciplinary research among graduate students and faculty in Public Health.
This year's speaker is James Dignam, PhD (BIOST '94).

Presenter: Qi Wei

Paper: VISTA is a checkpoint regulator for naïve T cell quiescence and peripheral tolerance

Authors: Mohamed A. ElTanbouly, Yanding Zhao, Elizabeth Nowak, Jiannan Li, Evelien Schaafsma, et Al.

Abstract:
Negative checkpoint regulators (NCRs) temper the T cell immune response to self-antigens and limit the development of autoimmunity. Unlike all other NCRs that are expressed on activated T lymphocytes, V-type immunoglobulin domain-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is expressed on naïve T cells. We report an unexpected heterogeneity within the naïve T cell compartment in mice, where loss of VISTA disrupted the major quiescent naïve T cell subset and enhanced self-reactivity. Agonistic VISTA engagement increased T cell tolerance by promoting antigen-induced peripheral T cell deletion. Although a critical player in naïve T cell homeostasis, the ability of VISTA to restrain naïve T cell responses was lost under inflammatory conditions. VISTA is therefore a distinctive NCR of naïve T cells that is critical for steady-state maintenance of quiescence and peripheral tolerance.

Community Engagement Activities at the University of Pittsburgh: Update on Current Activities and Discussion of Opportunities

Melissa A. Somma McGivney, PharmD, FCCP, FAPhA
Professor and Associate Dean for Community Partnerships, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy; Co-Chair, Health and Wellness Task Force, University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Centers

John S. Maier, MD, PhD
Director of Research & Development, Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine; Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Co-Chair, Health and Wellness Task Force, University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Centers

Do you want to develop your leadership skills and help your community? Do you want to meet regional leaders who have done just that and can provide you with guidance on how to start or ramp up your community engagement? Register to attend the Never A Spectator: Networking & Civic Engagement Forum! Never a Spectator allows students to network with local executives and connect with like-minded peers to focus on making a difference through active citizenship and promoting the idea of starting where you are, with what you have, to do what you can in your community.