Biography
We have a particular focus on the biology and function of a unique group of cells expressing the Autoimmune Regulator (Aire) gene. Previously the lab identified extra-Thymic Aire-expressing Cells (eTACs), a novel population that plays significant roles in immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. We have since described the fundamental biology and identity of eTACs, as well as defined potential roles for these populations in autoimmune diabetes and in maternal-fetal tolerance.
We utilize multimodal approaches from transgenic engineering to single-cell multiomics to understand the biology and immunology of these unique populations, and more broadly of immune tolerance mechanisms.
The Gardner lab also works closely with the UCSF Transplant community and with the VIable Tissue Acquisition Lab (VITAL) Core, which Dr. Gardner established and directs, to advance groundbreaking research in human immunology and human biology. We work collaboratively with a range of investigators locally and nationally in these efforts.
Education
Institution | Degree | Dept or School | End Date |
---|---|---|---|
University of California San Francisco | Clinical Instructor and Fellow | Abdominal Transplant Surgery | 08/2019 |
University of California San Francisco | Chief Resident | General Surgery | 06/2017 |
University of California San Francisco | Resident | General Surgery | 06/2016 |
University of California San Francisco | MD/PhD | Genetics | 06/2012 |
Harvard University | AB | Biochemistry | 06/2002 |
Board Certifications
American Board of Surgery, General Surgery
Awards & Honors
Award | Conferred By | Date |
---|---|---|
W.M. Keck Medical Research Grant | W.M. Keck Foundation | 2024/2027 |
PICI Investigator | Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy | 2024 |
Burroughs Wellcome Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative | Burroughs Wellcome Fund | 2023/2027 |
Pew Biomedical Scholar | The Pew Charitable Trusts | 2023/2027 |
Sandler PSSP Grant | UCSF Dean's Office | 2019/2024 |
ASTS-Astellas Fellowship in Transplantation Grant | American Society of Transplant Surgeons | 2017/2019 |
Nusz Achievement Award | UCSF Department of Surgery | 2017/2017 |
Schecter Award for Senior Trauma Fellow | UCSF Division of Trauma and Critical Care | 2016/2016 |
ED Surgical Consultant of the Year | UCSF Emergency Medicine | 2016/2016 |
Clinical Expertise
Ascites
Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
Bile Duct Injuries
Bile Duct Strictures
Bridging Therapies to Downstage HCC in Liver Transplant Setting
Choledochal Cysts
Deceased Donor Organ Utilization
Gallbladder Cancer
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Primary Liver Cancer)
Kidney Transplantation
Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
Liver Biopsy
Liver Cysts
Liver Metastases (Secondary Liver Cancer)
Liver Resection
Liver Transplantation
Living Donor Kidney Transplantation
Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Normothetic Machine Liver Perfusion
Organ Donation of Cardiovascular Death
Pancreas Transplantation
Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Portal Hypertension
Program Affiliations
UCSF Department of Surgery
UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery
UCSF Diabetes Center
Book Chapters
Gardner JM, Anderson MS. The Mouse Model of Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type I. Immunoendocrinology: Scientific and Clinical Aspects. 1st edition. Ed. Eisenbarth G. (New York: Humana Press, 2011.)
Gardner et al., American Transplant Congress, 2015. Outcomes in a new category of Pancreas-After-Islet Transplantation.
Gardner et al., UCSF Surgery Resident Research Symposium, 2013-2016. Extrathymic Aire-Expressing Cells in Immune Tolerance and Transplantation.
Gardner et al., International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association 2013. Outcomes in a new category of Pancreas-After-Islet Transplantation.
Gardner et al., Children?s Diabetes Foundation of the North Bay Annual Retreat, 2010. Novel Approaches for Preventing and Treating Juvenile Diabetes: What?s on the Horizon?
Gardner et al., Kyoto T Cell Conference 2009. Extrathymic Aire-Expressing Cells and the Maintenance of Immunologic Tolerance.
Gardner et al., American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Donors? Evening, 2008. New approaches to Preventing and Treating Autoimmune Diabetes.
Gardner et al., UCSF/UCB 2008 Immunology Retreat. Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Extrathymic Aire-Expressing Cells.
In the News
Research Narrative
The Gardner lab studies fundamental mechanisms of immune tolerance -- how the immune system learns to distinguish self from non-self -- and how this understanding can be applied in the context of autoimmunity, transplantation, maternal-fetal tolerance, and cancer immunology.
We have a particular focus on the biology and function of a unique group of cells expressing the Autoimmune Regulator (Aire) gene. Previously the lab identified extra-Thymic Aire-expressing Cells (eTACs), a novel population that plays significant roles in immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. We have since described the fundamental biology and identity of eTACs, as well as defined potential roles for these populations in autoimmune diabetes and in maternal-fetal tolerance.
We utilize multimodal approaches from transgenic engineering to single-cell multiomics to understand the biology and immunology of these unique populations, and more broadly of immune tolerance mechanisms.
The Gardner lab also works closely with the UCSF Transplant community and with the VIable Tissue Acquisition Lab (VITAL) Core, which Dr. Gardner established and directs, to advance groundbreaking research in human immunology and human biology. We work collaboratively with a range of investigators locally and nationally in these efforts.
Research Interests
Immune tolerance
Transplant surgery
Autoimmmune diabetes
Research Pathways
Publications
- ROR?t eTACs mediate oral tolerance and Treg induction.| | PubMed
- In vivo engineering of murine T cells using the evolved adeno-associated virus variant Ark313.| | PubMed
- Dual α-globin-truncated erythropoietin receptor knockin restores hemoglobin production in α-thalassemia-derived erythroid cells.| | PubMed
- Macrophage-specific hypoxia inducible factor 2α expression promotes cardiac allograft tolerance.| | PubMed
- Implantation of autologous induced pluripotent stem cell-derived islets provides long-term insulin independence in a patient with type 1 diabetes.| | PubMed
- Calcineurin inhibitors promote chronic alloimmunity via propagation of central memory T cell subsets.| | PubMed
- Tissue-resident regulatory T cells as transient, tissue-agnostic immunomodulatory populations.| | PubMed
- Real-time thermoconductive monitoring for early detection of kidney transplant rejection.| | PubMed
- Impact of short-term vegan versus ketogenic diets on human immunity and microbiome.| | PubMed
- Aire in Autoimmunity.| | PubMed