Dr. Maria Bettini's lab focuses on understanding how T cells, which are crucial for immune responses, may contribute to autoimmune diseases like Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The lab investigates the mechanics of T cell receptor interactions with self-antigens and how these interactions can lead to T cell persistence in autoimmune conditions. By using cutting-edge technologies, they aim to uncover how T cells can evade normal regulatory mechanisms, potentially leading to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Matthew Bettini's lab studies how early life exposure to microbes influences immune system development, particularly focusing on T cells produced in the thymus. They also explore how enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapies can improve cancer treatments by fine-tuning intracellular signaling pathways. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better prevention of allergies and asthma, as well as more effective cancer immunotherapies.

Dr. John S. Parkinson's lab focuses on how bacteria sense and respond to their chemical environments, specifically through their chemoreceptors. By studying the mechanisms of chemotaxis in bacteria like E. coli, the lab aims to uncover the molecular details that enable bacteria to move toward beneficial chemicals and away from harmful substances. This research could lead to innovative treatments for bacterial infections and insights into microbial community behavior.

Dr. Ryan M O'Connell's lab focuses on understanding how gut cells and the immune system work together to maintain digestive health and prevent diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The team investigates how tiny signaling particles called exosomes carry messages between cells in the gut, and how these messages can promote healing and fight inflammation. By exploring the roles of various molecules, including microRNAs and proteins in the communication between gut cells and bacteria, the lab aims to develop new therapies for inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Hans Haecker's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins and signaling pathways contribute to inflammatory diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By investigating the roles of proteins in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to inappropriate immune responses. This research not only enhances our understanding of SLE but may also identify potential targets for new therapies.

Dr. Jeffrey Scott Hale's lab focuses on understanding how CD4+ T cells respond to influenza infections. The research explores the mechanisms by which prior exposures to antigens, either through vaccination or infection, shape T cell responses in the lungs. By investigating T cell receptor signaling and epigenetic programming, the lab aims to improve vaccination strategies against influenza, potentially leading to longer-lasting immune protection.

Dr. Koushik Roy's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins control the development of immune cells that produce antibodies, specifically targeting the processes that help create long-lasting immunity. In particular, the lab studies how different signaling pathways affect the formation of memory B cells and plasma cells, which are critical for responding to infections and vaccines. The research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved vaccines and therapies for better immune responses.

Dr. Wan-Lin Lo's lab at the University of Utah focuses on understanding how CD7 signaling affects T cells, which are crucial for our immune response. The lab studies how CD7 influences T cell activation and differentiation, especially during infections and diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders. By uncovering the roles of CD7, they aim to develop new therapies that could enhance T cell responses or prevent them from becoming exhausted during chronic conditions.

Dr. Kelly T. Hughes' lab at the University of Utah focuses on understanding how bacteria, particularly Salmonella, use specialized structures called injectisomes to infect host cells. By studying the intricate processes that allow these bacteria to deliver harmful proteins into cells, the lab aims to develop new ways to combat bacterial infections and address the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. The research not only sheds light on basic biological mechanisms but also seeks to uncover potential targets for new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Brian D. Evavold's lab focuses on understanding how T cell receptors (TCRs) recognize antigens and how this interaction influences immune responses, particularly in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. By studying the physical properties of TCRs, such as bond lifetime and force, the lab aims to reveal critical information about T cell behavior and function. This research has the potential to lead to new therapies for autoimmune conditions by improving our understanding of how T cells can be regulated during immune responses.

Dr. June Louise Round's lab focuses on understanding the interactions between the immune system and the microbiota, particularly the virome—viruses that live in and on the body. They study how bacteriophages, a type of virus, influence immune system development and explore the links between intestinal health and diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes. Their research aims to identify beneficial viral and bacterial communities that can promote health and prevent disease.