Professor Allison's research explores the molecular immunology of the T cell antigen receptor complex, co-stimulatory receptors, and other molecules involved in T cell activation. He is particularly interested in defining those signaling events that lead to differentiation of naive T cells and those that determine whether antigen receptor engagement will lead to functional activation or inactivation of T cells. The lessons learned in these basic studies are used to develop new strategies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for immunotherapy of cancer.