Dr. John M Coffin's lab at Tufts University focuses on studying human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and their potential to inhibit HIV replication. The lab aims to understand how certain HERVs can block viral assembly and explore their evolutionary history. Overall, the research seeks innovative strategies for preventing HIV infections through the activation of these natural viral inhibitors.

Dr. Ekaterina Heldwein's lab at Tufts University studies how herpesviruses exit the nucleus of infected cells to spread and cause disease. The team focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of virus membrane budding and fusion, particularly looking at proteins involved in these processes. Their research has implications for developing better vaccines and treatments for viral infections, especially in vulnerable populations.

Dr. Linden T. Hu's lab investigates the complex factors that contribute to persistent symptoms following Lyme disease treatment, known as Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). The lab employs a comprehensive approach, bringing together experts to study immune responses, bacterial behaviors, and other elements that may play a role in the disease. This research aims to uncover why some patients continue to experience symptoms and to develop better diagnostic tools and treatments for Lyme disease.

Joan C. Mecsas's lab focuses on understanding how bacterial pathogens manipulate immune cells to evade responses during infections. The research particularly looks at neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting infections, and specialized intestinal cells called M cells, which help trigger immune responses. By investigating how the bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis interacts with these cells, the lab aims to uncover new strategies to enhance immune responses and combat diseases caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Dr. Brian Lin's research lab at Tufts University focuses on understanding how our sense of smell declines with age. They have developed a new model that mimics accelerated aging in the olfactory epithelium, which could pave the way for finding treatments for age-related smell disorders like anosmia. The lab aims to explore the mechanisms behind this decline and test potential therapies to restore olfactory function.

Dr. Klemen Strle's lab focuses on understanding Lyme disease, particularly why it affects people differently. They research the role of specific microbial proteins in causing excessive inflammation, which can lead to severe symptoms and complications. By studying these proteins in both human samples and mouse models, they aim to identify potential biomarkers for patients at risk of more severe disease and develop better treatment strategies.

Dr. Elizabeth A White's lab at Tufts University focuses on understanding how high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) manipulates host cell signaling to promote persistent infections and contribute to cancer development. By studying the viral proteins E6 and E7, the lab explores their roles in cellular transformation, including how they disrupt signaling pathways that normally regulate cell growth and differentiation. This research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for HPV-related cancers.