Dr. Brian A. Cobb's lab at Case Western Reserve University studies the complex world of glycoproteins, especially how their sugar structures influence immune responses. The team's research focuses on how glycosylation (the addition of sugar molecules to proteins), particularly on antibodies, can be modulated for therapeutic benefits in diseases like autoimmunity and inflammation. By understanding the mechanisms behind these modifications, the lab aims to create new treatments that can better manage inflammatory diseases through targeted therapies.

James Walter Kazura's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system manages subclinical malaria infections in children in sub-Saharan Africa. They investigate the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses of innate immune cells in children who have malaria without showing symptoms. This research aims to identify mechanisms that could aid in malaria control and eradication efforts, especially in school-age children, who play a key role in malaria transmission.

Dr. Adam Burgener's lab at Case Western Reserve University studies how the microbiome—the community of microbes living in our bodies—affects cervical cancer disparities, particularly among African American women. The lab investigates the relationship between vaginal microbiota and mucosal immunity to understand why African American women face higher rates of cervical cancer and explore new therapeutic approaches. Through advanced techniques, they aim to uncover mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression and identify potential new treatment targets.

Dr. David E. Kang's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The lab studies the role of specific proteins, including TDP-43 and Nrf2, in regulating cellular responses to stress and their impacts on neurodegeneration. By utilizing animal models and advanced biochemical techniques, the lab aims to find potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the detrimental effects caused by these proteins.

Dr. Parameswaran Ramakrishnan's lab focuses on understanding the role of a protein called Sam68 in inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis. The lab investigates how Sam68 signaling affects immune responses in the intestinal epithelial cells, aiming to identify new therapeutic approaches to treat this chronic condition. By exploring both human and mouse models, including advanced techniques such as organoids, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that contribute to inflammation and potential treatment targets.

Dr. Aaron Burberry's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding the role of T cells in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The research aims to uncover how genetic mutations, particularly in the C9ORF72 gene, and environmental factors such as gut bacteria impact T cell behavior and contribute to disease progression. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab hopes to identify new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for these neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Allison Kraus leads a research lab focused on understanding tau misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and other dementias. The lab investigates how tau aggregates form and interact at the cellular level, aiming to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis and to find novel therapeutic targets. Their work combines advanced protein detection techniques with innovative approaches to study brain and skin samples.

Dr. Christina Farr Zuend's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding infertility in couples, particularly in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The lab investigates the role of the microbiome and immune factors in both female and male reproductive systems to identify potential causes of infertility and improve IVF outcomes. By analyzing samples and interactions between partners, the research aims to discover new therapeutic strategies and predictive models for increasing the chances of successful pregnancies.

Dr. Theresa Torres Pizarro's lab focuses on understanding the role of a protein called gasdermin B (GSDMB) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The team investigates how different forms of GSDMB might affect the function of cells in the gut, especially during diseases like IBD. The ultimate goal is to uncover new ways to improve gut healing and develop treatments for IBD by exploring the molecular mechanisms of GSDMB.

Dr. Chen Zhao's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding and targeting leukemia stem cells to improve treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The lab investigates the role of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) in maintaining cancer cell survival and potential therapies that can effectively eliminate these stem cells. Additionally, they explore how changes in clonal hematopoiesis can either lead to blood cancers or beneficial immune responses, aiming to shift harmful changes back to healthy blood cell formation.