Kieng Bao Vang

E-mail: vang0280@umn.edu

Thesis Advisor: Mike Farrar

Year entered: 2005

Degrees received:
B.S., Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2002

Honors and Awards:
DOVE Graduate School Fellowship 2005

Thesis research:
My research has been focused on cytokine signaling and Treg development. We previously reported that interleukin (IL2)-dependent STAT5 signals govern Treg development. The IL2 Receptor (IL2R) consists of the IL2Ralpha, IL2Rbeta and common gamma c chain (gammac). IL2Rbeta-/- mice have reduced CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg numbers while gammac-/- mice are completely devoid of Tregs. Since the gammac chain is shared with other gammac receptors (IL4R, IL7R, IL15R and IL21R), this led us to investigate whether these receptors were also implicated in Treg development. In addition, we wanted to address which cells are secreting the cytokines required for Treg development. Hence, my research deals with 1.) which cytokines are required for Treg development and 2.) which cells are secreting the cytokines required for this process?

Publications:

• Burchill, M.A., J. Yang, K.B. Vang, J.J. Moon, H.H. Chu, C. J. Lio, A.L. Vegoe, C. Hsieh, M.K. Jenkins and M.A. Farrar. 2008. Linked T Cell Receptor and Cytokine Signaling Govern the Development of the Regulatory T Cell Repertoire. Immunity 28: 112-121.

• Burchill, M.A., J. Yang, K.B. Vang and M.A. Farrar. 2007. Interleukin-2 receptor signaling in regulatory T cell development and homeostasis. Immunol Letters 114: 1-8.

• Vang, K. B., M. A. Burchill, A. L. Vegoe and M.A. Farrar. Interleukin-2, -7 and –15 but not TSLP Redundantly Govern Regulatory T Cell Development. JI (2008) (in revision).