I am an associate professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and I’m on a mission to decode the conversation between CD4+ T cells and B cells. These T cells use cytokines as their messages, and I am particularly fascinated by the cytokines secreted by a subset of these T cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Unlocking the secret dialogue between Tfh cells and B cells reveals the key to understanding B cell differentiation and how this can both protect against pathogens and contribute to disease in autoimmunity. When I am not in the lab, I am an avid baseball fan, watching a game on TV or at the local minor league park. I find that baseball is similar to the immune response; it requires the coordination of 9 players on the field, much as different cells need to work together to fight off an infection.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
I am Jason Weinstein, an Associate Professor in the Center of Immunity and Inflammation (CII) in the Department of Medicine at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Where did you do your training?
I earned my PhD from the University of Florida, where I studied the development and function of pathogenic B cells in ectopic lymphoid tissues related to autoimmunity, under the supervision of Dr. Westley Reeves. To broaden my expertise in CD4+ T cell biology, I pursued postdoctoral training with Dr. Joseph Craft at Yale, focusing on the development and function of Tfh cells in the context of infection and autoimmunity.
Briefly, what is your research about?
During my PhD, I focused on germinal center (GC) B cell activation and their differentiation into antibody-secreting cells. For my postdoc, I focused on Tfh cells, the CD4 T cell subset that regulates GC B cells. This is where I began exploring the mechanisms that control Tfh cell-derived cytokines, including IL-21, IL-4, and IFN-γ. When I started my own lab, I drew on my previous experiences to investigate the interactions between B cells and Tfh cells. My research primarily focuses on how these interactions contribute to the production of anti-pathogen antibodies during infections and after vaccinations, as well as the production of pathogenic antibodies in autoimmunity. We are particularly excited to investigate how the cytokines produced by Tfh cells in a chronic autoreactive state differ from those in an acute infectious response. Additionally, we aim to understand how the abnormal regulation of these cytokines leads to dysfunction in various B cell subsets, including age-associated B cells, plasmablasts, and GC B cells, in the context of autoimmunity.
Tell us your thoughts about the Cytokines Society: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
The breadth of research conducted by members of the Cytokines Society has significantly advanced my career. Many other societies and memberships I belong to focus on more niche research areas. In contrast, interacting with members of the Cytokine Society allows for discussions with researchers from a wide range of scientific fields. These discussions have provided me with a different perspective on the cytokines I work with.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
While I have not had specific interactions at Cytokine meetings that led to collaborations, they have allowed me to connect with researchers I do not frequently see at other events I attend. I look forward to catching up and discussing science with friends I rarely see.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
The most memorable Cytokine meeting I attended was in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. It was my first virtual meeting, and while I initially thought it would be chaotic and unorganized, it turned out to be the meeting where I learned the most. I was able to attend scientific talks on topics I might not have explored in person, since I would usually be rushing from one room to another. I specifically remember the online poster sessions, where I could engage in science discussions via chat with other attendees.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially during spring and summer when I can tend to my yard and garden. I also have a passion for baseball, particularly the Boston Red Sox. I often listen to the radio broadcast while I’m working outside or watching a game on TV. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to attend a game at a local park in the city I visit. This past year, my town built new outdoor pickleball courts, so I decided to join the trend and start playing.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was preparing to start my lab, I was advised not to hide in my office, and that I would not find a better postdoc for my new lab than myself. There would be no one better suited to develop lab protocols, techniques and foster the lab’s culture than me. I believe this advice played a crucial role in helping me establish a strong foundation for my lab, which continues to thrive to this day.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Back in graduate school during the early 2000s, my friends and I were hooked on the hit show “The OC.” I recently read “Welcome to the OC” by Alan Sepinwall, a captivating book that reveals the behind-the-scenes of the show, from its creation to its cultural impact. With fascinating anecdotes from actors, writers, and musical guests, this read is a nostalgic trip for anyone who watched the show.
What is your favorite cytokine?
Without a doubt, it would be IL-21, but it’s a love/hate relationship. Although Tfh cells do not secrete large amounts of IL-21, it remains a dynamic and important cytokine in regulating B cell responses. IL-21 is essential for the function of GC B cells and is necessary for the development of age-associated B cells. However, anyone who has performed experiments assessing IL-21 secretion knows that it can be finicky and challenging to detect using assays such as intracellular staining and ELISpots.
Lab website: Weinsteinlab.com