As an anuran amphibian occupying a key phylogenetic position between aquatic vertebrates and terrestrial tetrapods, Xenopus has an immune system remarkably similar to that of mammals while retaining distinctive evolutionary adaptations, including the early differentiation of innate-like (iT) cell populations that interact with nonclassical MHC-Ib molecules, and extensive immune remodeling during metamorphosis.
In this seminar, Dr. Robert will present his work pioneering Xenopus as a comparative model to investigate how nonpolymorphic MHC-Ib molecules regulate the development and function of iT cells in responses to microbial pathogens and tumors, revealing evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of immune regulation.
Because Xenopus tadpoles develop externally, they are particularly sensitive to waterborne pollutants. The lab of Dr. Robert has established Xenopus as a human health–relevant model for studying microplastic pollution, showing that environmentally relevant concentrations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics impair antiviral immunity and disrupt macrophage function during early development.
Together, these studies highlight Xenopus as a powerful model for uncovering principles of immune system evolution, innate-like T-cell biology, and the impact of environmental pollutants on immune health.
About the speaker
Jacques Robert, PhD, is Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He currently directs the unique Xenopus laevis Research Resource for Immunobiology, which is the world’s leading center for amphibian immunology. Dr. Robert is internationally recognized for pioneering the use of the amphibian Xenopus laevis as a comparative model to study immune system evolution, development, and environmental health. His research focuses on nonclassical MHC class I molecules, innate-like T cells, macrophage biology, and host–pathogen interactions. His laboratory has uncovered fundamental roles for nonclassical MHC molecules and innate-like T cells in antimicrobial immunity and early immune development. More recently, Dr. Robert has leveraged Xenopus to investigate the immunological consequences of environmental pollutants, particularly microplastics, providing new insights into mechanisms of immune dysfunction relevant to human health.
