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Michael Croft, Ph.D., and his team focus on a number of protein molecules that are members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family, a group of proteins believed to play important roles in the ability of the immune system to guard the body against harmful microorganisms. The TNFR molecules studied by Dr. Croft and his laboratory are expressed on T lymphocytes and may be crucial for the effective development and function of these cells.

The two molecules that are being studied most extensively are named OX40 and 4-1BB. Data from the laboratory shows that signals from both molecules control the activities and long-term survival of T cells. Specifically, both molecules may be essential for inducing immunity.

The laboratory is investigating the roles of these molecules in several diseases, including asthma, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and cancer to determine if they could be potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Research is under way to determine whether inhibiting the activities of OX40 and 4-1BB can reduce the response of T lymphocytes.

Another line of research is investigating whether substances that can signal T cells through OX40 and 4-1BB can be used to increase natural immune responses. This is particularly important for diseases such as cancer, in which T cells do not function strongly against the growing tumor.

News & Events

BREAKTHROUGH: Role of LIGHT molecule for remodeling in the lung
Michael Croft, Ph.D., has discovered a molecule’s previously unknown role as a major trigger for airway remodeling, which impairs lung function, making the molecule a promising therapeutic target for chronic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and several other lung conditions.  A scientific paper on Dr. Croft’s finding was published online in the prestigious journal, Nature Medicine.

BREAKTHROUGH: OX40 Ligand in Asthma
A major asthma discovery by a researcher at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology has been licensed by MedImmune, a leading innovation-focused biotechnology company and wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca PLC.  MedImmune licensed the discovery to explore its use in the development of a potential biologics drug for treating asthma.  Under the agreement, MedImmune was granted exclusive intellectual property rights to the discovery, which demonstrated the pivotal role of a protein called the OX40 ligand in asthma.  The finding was made by the laboratory of La Jolla Institute scientist Michael Croft, Ph.D., and marked a major milestone in asthma research.