Dr. Balaji Manicassamy's research lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how influenza viruses transmit between different species and evade the immune system. They study the roles of sugars on cell surfaces that the virus uses to infect cells, aiming to uncover how these interactions can lead to pandemics. Additionally, the lab investigates a specific protein complex that regulates immune responses to viruses, which may help in understanding diseases linked to uncontrolled immune activity.

Dr. Anice C. Lowen's lab at Emory University studies how influenza A viruses spread among humans and other animals. They use advanced techniques to understand the biology of the virus, how it interacts with different hosts, and the factors that influence transmission. Their work aims to improve public health strategies for controlling influenza outbreaks and pandemics.

Dr. Saumendra N Sarkar's research lab at the University of Maryland Baltimore focuses on the innate immune response, specifically the role of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), namely Oligoadenylate Synthetase (OAS) proteins, in protecting against bacterial infections. The lab investigates how these proteins contribute to the immune defense against bacteria both in laboratory and in vivo settings, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for treating infectious diseases, particularly those involving antibiotic resistance.

The research lab led by Dr. Teruyuki Sano focuses on understanding the behavior and adaptability of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are important immune cells found in mucosal tissues like the intestines. The lab investigates how these cells can change into different types in response to their environment, especially during conditions like infection or inflammation. This research has implications for treating inflammatory diseases and could help in developing new therapies to manage immune responses.

Dr. Jennifer Bando's lab at Stanford University studies the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in maintaining gut health. The lab focuses on how genetic differences influence the behavior and location of these immune cells, which are crucial for the integrity of the gut barrier. By understanding the diversity of ILCs, the lab aims to find ways to restore gut function in cases of immune-related disorders.

Dr. Gang Lin's research lab focuses on developing innovative proteasome inhibitors to treat aggressive cancers like triple negative breast cancer and to combat drug-resistant malaria. By understanding protein degradation mechanisms in cells, his team aims to create safer and more effective therapeutics that can address significant health challenges in both oncology and infectious diseases.

Dr. Liang Qiao's lab at Loyola University Chicago focuses on developing innovative vaccines to combat viral infections, particularly coronaviruses and flaviviruses like Zika and dengue. The research aims to create safer vaccines that generate strong T cell responses without the risk of severe side effects associated with traditional antibody-based vaccines. The lab employs advanced techniques to enhance vaccine efficacy and develop mucosal delivery methods for protective immune responses.

Dr. Brian Sheridan's lab focuses on understanding how priming affects the development of a specific type of immune cell called tissue-resident memory T cells in the intestine. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which dietary factors, like vitamin A, influence the formation of these cells during immune responses. The ultimate goal is to improve vaccine strategies for gastrointestinal infections and to address issues related to vitamin A deficiency in populations with poor immune responses.

Ruaidhri Jackson's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on uncovering the hidden complexities of the immune system's genome. The team is investigating non-coding RNAs and novel protein-coding mechanisms that play crucial roles in the inflammatory response. By using advanced techniques like ribosome profiling, they aim to redefine our understanding of gene function and discover new therapeutic targets for diseases related to immune response.

William Robert Jacobs leads a research lab focused on understanding how Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), interacts with the immune system. His lab investigates a specialized protein transport system called Esx5, which is important for the bacterium's ability to cause disease and evade the immune response. By studying a mutant version of this bacterium, which acts as a potential vaccine, the lab aims to identify and characterize key proteins involved in TB pathogenesis and immunity.

Dr. Anthony A. James' lab at UC Irvine focuses on developing innovative genetic strategies to combat malaria, a disease that significantly impacts global health. They are particularly interested in using gene-drive systems, which harness CRISPR technology, to alter the reproductive capabilities of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, thereby reducing their populations and spreading resistance to the malaria parasite. The lab's work aims to provide new tools that are effective, safe for humans and the environment, and resilient against reinvasion by susceptible mosquito populations.

Dr. Alok Joglekar's lab focuses on engineering immune cells to enhance their ability to recognize and respond to disease-causing pathogens and tumors. Through innovative techniques, the lab aims to transform how T cells interact with their targets, potentially leading to new therapies for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. The research involves developing novel receptor systems that improve the signaling capabilities of T cells, ultimately aiming to revolutionize immune engineering.

Dr. Erica L Johnson's lab at Morehouse School of Medicine focuses on understanding how chronic stress in mothers affects their health and the development of their infants during pregnancy. By investigating epigenetic changes—that is, changes in gene expression that are not related to the DNA sequence itself—her lab aims to uncover how maternal stress can alter immune responses in both mothers and their babies, potentially leading to long-term health issues. The research aims to provide insights that can help improve health outcomes for families affected by stress.

The research lab led by Dr. Colleen B. Jonsson at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center focuses on developing new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to combat infectious diseases and bioterrorism threats. Operating within a state-of-the-art biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facility, the team works on enhancing biosafety practices and research support for medical countermeasures against emerging pathogens. The lab collaborates with various institutions and emphasizes training and management of biosafety practices in alignment with public health and safety standards.

Tristan Xavier Jordan's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how microbial eukaryotes, particularly Acanthamoeba, defend against viral infections. By investigating the antiviral systems of these organisms, the lab aims to uncover new microbial antiviral strategies and technologies that could have significant implications for biotechnology and medicine. The research combines various advanced techniques, including protein structure prediction and metatranscriptomics, to explore the complex interactions between viruses and their eukaryotic hosts.

Dr. Nikhil Joshi's lab studies how immune cells called CD8 T cells develop and respond to tumors, particularly in lung cancer. His research focuses on the tumor-draining lymph node, where these cells are maintained, and investigates the signals that can either enhance their ability to fight tumors or lead to their dysfunction. They use advanced techniques to manipulate the immune cells genetically and analyze their behavior at the single-cell level.

Dr. Kellie Ann Jurado's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on studying the roles of cytokines in pregnancy, particularly the cytokine Interleukin 27 (IL-27). The lab investigates how IL-27 functions as an immune regulator during congenital infections and aims to understand its protective effects at the maternal-fetal interface. By defining the mechanisms of IL-27 signaling, the lab seeks to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Dr. Shembade's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer associated with HIV/AIDS, and the complex interactions between HIV and the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV). The lab develops innovative mouse and cell models that mimic disease conditions, allowing for the testing of new therapeutic strategies aimed at improving treatment for affected populations. By conducting research in these models, the lab aims to unravel the mechanisms of viral oncogenesis and to advance the development of immunological therapies against this malignancy.

Dr. Dennis L. Kasper's lab at Harvard Medical School investigates how the gut's immune system, particularly a part called the complement system, protects against infections. They focus on how this system works locally in the gut rather than relying just on the blood. Recent findings show that a protein called C3, produced in the gut, plays a crucial role in fighting off pathogens such as bacteria that cause diarrhea. The lab aims to understand how the gut microbiome influences C3 levels and explore new therapeutic strategies for combating infectious diseases.

Dr. James B. Konopka's lab focuses on understanding how the fungal pathogen Candida albicans increases its ability to cause infections. By examining the role of the plasma membrane in helping this fungus survive harsh conditions and grow invasively in the human body, the team aims to uncover new strategies for developing better antifungal treatments. Their research combines genetics and microbiology to explore how these mechanisms can be targeted in future therapies.