Expertise
Dr. Riley’s laboratory focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular basis of reduced B lymphocyte function in old age. In particular, his laboratory studies the mechanisms of poor B lymphopoiesis and ramifications for altered “read-out” of the antibody repertoire. More recently, the role of a novel B cell subset, the Age-associated B Cells (ABC) and of inflammation in modulating immune system development and function in old age are being investigated. Dr. Riley is also engaged in collaborative research with Dr. Bonnie Blomberg and Dr. Daniela Frasca (Department of Microbiology & Immunology) studying B lymphocyte dysfunction in old age and with Dr. Roland Jurecic and Dr. Samita Andreansky (Department of Microbiology & Immunology) studying effects of cancer chemotherapy and inflammation on immune system development and functions.
Regulation of B Lymphocyte Development in Health and Disease. The focus of his research is to understand the regulatory mechanisms governing the formation of antibody-producing B lymphocytes. In particular, the Riley lab seeks to determine the effects of disease processes as well as normal aging upon B lymphocyte formation and function and the ramifications of abnormal B lymphocyte development upon immune competence.