Overview
Studies from a number of labs including the Artis lab, have highlighted that differential colonization of the body’s barrier surfaces by defined commensal bacterial communities can have a profound effect on the development and function of distinct T helper cell populations including Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Dysregulation in the balance of these helper T cell populations can profoundly alter susceptibility to a number of chronic inflammatory diseases including allergy, asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Research in the Artis lab is focusing on how host factors including expression of cytokines and cytokine receptors can influence the balance of helper T cell responses and the development of chronic inflammation.
Recent studies in the Artis lab indicate that innate lymphoid cells, an emerging population of innate cells that express proinflammatory cytokines, may also contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple chronic inflammatory diseases. Innate lymphoid cells are derived from a common Id2-dependent precursor and appear to influence immunity, inflammation and tissue repair and homeostasis in health and disease. Ongoing studies are examining the influence of host- and environmental-derived signals on the development and functions of innate lymphoid cells. The findings of these studies offer the potential to identify new therapeutic targets to limit infection, chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Highlights
- 1Nature · 2022
- 2Nature · 2022
- 3Cell · 2022
Publications
Funding
Active
20 grants- PIR01AI196067-01A1A neuro-immune circuit regulates helminth-induced type 2 inflammationNIAID · 2026–2031 · via NIH RePORTER
- MPIR01CA311885-01Caloric restriction to enhance cancer immunopreventionNational Cancer Institute · 2026–2031
- PIBP 194547-01Identification of Enteric Neuroimmunue Mechanisms in Vedolizumab Response in IBD Patients, and by Extension to Other HI Diseases for Target IdentificationMillennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · 2019–2031BioPharma Alliance
- Co-IR01CA299862-01The role of microbiota amino acid metabolism in cancerNational Cancer Institute · 2025–2030
- Co-IPICI 235170-03PICI Grant and Main Collaboration Agreement with Multiple SubprojectsParker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy · 2024–2028
- KPK99DK147794-01Adaptive Immune Regulation of Enteric Neurogenesis Directs Intestinal InflammationNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2026–2028Career
- PIR01AI172027-03S1Microbiota-derived metabolites and the regulation of host immunity and inflammationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022–2027· 2 renewals
- MPIR01DK132244-04Dietary Regulation of Intestinal Inflammation and RepairNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2022–2027
- KPR00AI173660-03Dietary regulation of type 2 immunity and inflammation in the gutNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2025–2026
- KPK99AI180354-01A1Neuro-immune regulation of inter-organ skin-gut inflammationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2024–2026
- KPK08MH130773-04Microbial Regulation of Microglial FunctionNational Institute of Mental Health · 2022–2026Career
- KP1455492Enteric glia cell regulation of intestinal inflammation and tissue protectionCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2025–2026
- PIR01DK126871-05Neuro-immune regulation of intestinal inflammationNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2020–2026
- MPIU01AI095608-16S1MIST Early Career Scholar Awards in Mucosal ImmunologyNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2015–2026· 5 renewals
- Sub-PI202205-13295Sensing Tissue Homeostasis in Health and DiseasePaul G. Allen Family Foundation · 2023–2026 · via Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- KPCCFA 937437Neuro-immune regulation of intestinal inflammation and tissue protection in IBDCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2022–2026
- Sub-PIR01AR070116-07Neuroimmune Regulation of Atopic DermatitisNational Inst of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases · 2022–2026 · via Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- KPF32DK139586-01A1Adrenomedullin 2 Regulates ILC2 Responses to Control Intestinal InflammationNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2025–2026Fellowship
- KPK99DK138295-01A1Nociceptor regulation of intestinal inflammation and tissue protectionNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024–2026
- KPR00CA252443-02Investigating the role of the microbiota in enhancing memory T cell function during caloric restriction to promote melanoma controlNational Cancer Institute · 2022–2026
Completed grants (28)
- Sub-PIR01AI151599-05Neuropeptide-mediated regulation of antihelminth immunityNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2020–2025 · via Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – New Brunswick
- KPCCFA 901000Sensory neuronal regulation of intestinal health and diseaseCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2022–2024
- KPCCFA #851136Influence of Diet and Microbiota on Intestinal Inflammation and RepairCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2021–2024
- PIR01AI095466-10Regulation and Function of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the GutNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2014–2024· 2 renewals
- PIAddgene 701281Addgene 701281Addgene, Inc. · 2022–2023
- PIR21AI142213-02Microbiota-dependent regulation of the gut-brain axisNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2019–2022
- KPBBRF 203622-01The gut-brain axis in fear extinctionBrain & Behavior Research Foundation · 2021–2022
- Co-IF32DK120228-01Regulation of the mycobiota and intestinal inflammation via production of antifungal metabolites by commensal bacteriaNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2019–2022Fellowship
- MPIU01AI095542-10Mucosal Immune Defense Mechanisms of the Urinary BladderNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2018–2021 · via Washington University, The· 3 renewals
- Co-ILF 180675-02Regulation of immunity by calcitonin gene-related peptide through effects on endothelial cells.LEO Foundation · 2017–2021
- PIR01AI074878-10Innate Immunity and Inflammation Following Helminth InfectionNational Institute on Aging · 2014–2020
- KPRT- 571123Role of Arginase Metabolism in Innate Lympohid Cell-Mediated Lung Inflammation-Senior Research FellowshipAmerican Lung Association, Incorporated · 2018–2020Fellowship
- KPCCF 527125Elucidating the Role of the Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2017–2020
- KPS10OD023652-01Instrumentation for Ultra-High Resolution MALDI-FT-ICR Imaging CoreOffice of the Director, NIH · 2017–2020Equipment
- PIR01AI102942-03Regulation and Function of Innate Lymphoid Cells During Influenza Virus InfectionNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2014–2019
- PIRP 194491-01NYC IBD Research Day 2019Regeneron Pharmaceuticals · 2019–2019
- PIJRD 190162-01NYC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Day 2018Janssen Research & Development, LLC · 2018–2019Contract
- PICCFA 183379-04Epigenetic Regulation of IBDCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2014–2019
- PIR01AI097333-04Cytokine Regulation of Anti-Helminth ImmunityNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2014–2019
- KPF32DK109630-03ß2AR Regulation of WAT ILC2-Mediated Metabolic HomeostasisNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2016–2019Fellowship
- PIRPI 190742-01Regeneron Research Conference Funding RD-6175Regeneron Pharmaceuticals · 2018–2018Contract
- Sub-PIP01AI106697-05Tissue Compartmentalization of Human LymphocytesNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2014–2018 · via Columbia University
- Sub-PIMGH 3765 EWOFCCFA Genetics Initiative Pilot Feasibility Study: Xenophagy Defects in Patients With Monogenic Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2015–2018 · via The General Hospital Corporation (dba Massachusetts General Hospital)
- PIR13AI126789-01The 4th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society (ICIS)National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2016–2017
- MPIU01AI095776-05Human MAIT Cells in Airway Mucosal Immune Responses to Intracellular InfectionsNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2015–2016 · via Oregon Health & Science University
- PIR01AI061570-11EWOImmuno-Regulation of GI Nematode InfectionNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2014–2016
- PIR21AI087990-02Functional Biology of Intestinal Epithelial Cells in Food AllergyNIAID · 2010–2013 · via NIH RePORTER
- PIR21AI083480-02Epithelial cell regulation of intestinal immune homeostasisNIAID · 2009–2012 · via NIH RePORTER
Available technologies
News mentions
- Gut Bacteria May Tip the Balance between Feeding Tumors and Fueling ImmunityJanuary 29, 2026
A new study reveals how bacteria in the gut can help determine whether the amino acid asparagine from the diet will feed tumor growth or activate immune cells against the cancer, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Pain-Sensing Neurons Kick-Start Immune ResponsesJanuary 7, 2026
Pain-sensing neurons in the gut kindle inflammatory immune responses that cause allergies and asthma, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Gut Neurons Help the Body Fight InflammationAugust 15, 2025
Neurons in the gut produce a molecule that plays a pivotal role in shaping the gut’s immune response during and after inflammation, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.
- Gut Microbes Release Cancer-fighting Bile Acids that Block Hormone SignalsApril 15, 2025
Bacteria naturally present in the human intestine, known as the gut microbiota, can transform cholesterol-derived bile acids into powerful metabolites that strengthen anti-cancer immunity by blocking androgen signaling, according to a preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.
- Diet, Microbes and Fat: A New Pathway Controlling Levels of Body Fat and CholesterolJanuary 8, 2025
Beneficial gut microbes and the body work together to fine-tune fat metabolism and cholesterol levels, according to a new preclinical study.
Show 15 more mentions
- Dr. Mohammad Arifuzzaman Wins 2024 Tri-Institutional Breakout AwardJune 14, 2024
Dr. Mohammad Arifuzzaman, a postdoctoral associate at Weill Cornell Medicine, has been awarded a 2024 Tri-Institutional Breakout Award for Junior Investigators.
- Common Type of Fiber May Trigger Bowel InflammationMay 2, 2024
Inulin, a type of fiber found in certain plant-based foods and fiber supplements, causes inflammation in the gut and exacerbates inflammatory bowel disease in a preclinical model, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.
- New Consortium Aims to Transform Understanding of How the Human Body Senses Health and DiseaseNovember 9, 2023
Co-led by Dr. David Artis at Weill Cornell Medicine, the Allen Discovery Center for Neuroimmune Interactions at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai hopes to revolutionize the field of medicine with a groundbreaking project to understand how the human body senses health and disease.
- A Common Dietary Fiber Promotes Allergy-Like Immune Responses in Preclinical StudiesNovember 2, 2022
A type of dietary fiber called inulin, commonly used in health supplements and known to have certain anti-inflammatory properties, can also promote an allergy-related type of inflammation in the lung and gut, and other parts of the body.
- Study Offers Insight into Immune Mechanisms of Inflammatory DiseaseNovember 2, 2022
Innate lymphoid cells are a recently discovered family of white blood cells that reside in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, airways and other barrier tissues of the body. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have an essential role in protecting these tissues from parasitic infections as well as damage associated with allergic inflammation and asthma, according to a new study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers.
- Pain-Sensing Gut Neurons Protect Against InflammationOctober 14, 2022
Neurons that sense pain protect the gut from inflammation and associated tissue damage by regulating the microbial community living in the intestines, according to a study from researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Awards Recognize Faculty and Student AchievementsMay 26, 2022
Weill Cornell Medicine faculty members were honored with awards for their exemplary achievements in medical research, education and care at the institution’s commencement ceremony on May 19 at Carnegie Hall.
- Awards and Honors – April 29, 2022April 29, 2022
Awards, honors, prizes and achievements for the month of April.
- Study Recruiting 1,000 Healthcare Workers to Investigate Underlying Factors Driving COVID-19 OutcomesOctober 6, 2020
A study by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian aims to answer one of COVID-19’s biggest mysteries: why do some people become severely ill, while others have no symptoms?
- Fungus in Gut May Explain Why Some Ulcerative Colitis Patients Benefit from Fecal TransplantMay 14, 2020
Higher levels of a type of fungus in the gut are associated with better outcomes for patients with a type of inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis who are treated with gut microbes from healthy donors.
- Scientists Identify New Pathways to Inflammation in Allergy-Linked Immune CellsApril 30, 2020
A class of immune cells push themselves into an inflammatory state by producing large quantities of a serotonin-making enzyme, according to a study in mice led by scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Gut Instincts: Researchers Discover First Clues on How Gut Health Influences Brain HealthOctober 23, 2019
New cellular and molecular processes underlying communication between gut microbes and brain cells have been described for the first time by scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell’s Ithaca campus.
- Discovery May Open Up New Possibilities for Treating Allergic Inflammatory DiseasesJuly 25, 2019
A molecule best known for its association with migraines may be a key to new treatments for common worm infections as well as allergic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, according to a study from scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
- Discovery Reveals Potential New Pathway for Treating Obesity and Related DisordersMay 3, 2019
A molecule that helps prevent fat accumulation in mammals is produced within fat tissues by stem-like cells that may be therapeutic targets for obesity and related disorders.
- Researchers Create the First Anatomical Map of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Healthy Human TissuesFebruary 12, 2019
Researchers have long known that dysfunction in the body’s innate immune system breaks the first line of defense against invading pathogens, enabling diseases to flourish unchecked.
Mentoring
- TLTingting LiPostdoc mentee · 2021–2024
- EEElizabeth EmanuelImmunology & Microbial Pathogenesis (PhD)
- XHXiaoxiao HouPostdoc mentee · 2022–2026
- YLYun LiaoPostdoc mentee · 2022–2025
- JSJulian SchwärzlerPostdoc mentee · 2024–2025
- YCYen-Hua ChenPostdoc mentee · 2021–2023
- DZDmitry ZhigarevPostdoc mentee · 2022–2022
External relationships
Advisory/Scientific Board Member
Kenneth Rainin Foundation · Pfizer, Inc.