The lab led by Robert B. Abramovitch focuses on developing new drugs to treat serious infections caused by mycobacteria, such as tuberculosis and other non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. They are discovering potent new compounds that can effectively target these bacteria, which are often resistant to current antibiotics. This research is crucial since these infections can lead to severe health issues and are a global health concern due to rising drug resistance.

Dr. April Pyle's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how skeletal muscle cells develop from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). They study the differences between these stem cells and adult muscle stem cells to improve their ability to generate healthier muscle cells for research and potential therapies. By investigating and enhancing how these cells behave in a lab setting, they aim to create better models for muscle diseases and advance regenerative medicine.

Dr. Honami Naora's lab investigates how age impacts the spread of ovarian cancer to the omentum, a fatty tissue that can be a site for cancer metastasis. By understanding how certain immune cells, like innate-like B cells, contribute to this process, the lab aims to develop strategies to reduce the risk of cancer spreading in older women. The research combines animal studies, human samples, and innovative techniques to uncover mechanisms driving these changes in metastasis.

Dr. Timothy E. O'Sullivan's lab focuses on understanding how human natural killer (NK) cells function, especially in the context of viral infections like cytomegalovirus, which is particularly dangerous for newborns and immunocompromised individuals. By investigating the transcriptional regulators like MEF2C, the lab aims to develop strategies to enhance NK cell activity, potentially leading to new treatments for patients who are at high risk for these infections. This research combines molecular biology and immunology to improve health outcomes.

Dr. Smithgall's research lab focuses on developing innovative approaches to treat HIV/AIDS by targeting a specific protein called Nef that plays a critical role in HIV replication and immune evasion. They explore small molecules and specialized drugs that can selectively destroy this protein in infected cells, which may lead to a reduction in viral reservoirs and better antiviral immune responses. Their work aims to contribute to potential curative strategies for HIV infections.

Dr. Maureen Cox's lab is focused on understanding the relationship between the nervous and immune systems, particularly how adrenergic nerves influence immune memory and responses during infections. By studying how these nerves interact with T cells and stromal cells in lymph nodes, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that can improve vaccine design and immune treatment strategies for patients with peripheral nerve damage. This research holds potential significance in enhancing the immune responses for individuals who are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Dr. Xiu-Ti Hu's lab at Rush University focuses on understanding how HIV and cocaine use affect brain function, particularly in relation to neurocognitive disorders. The research aims to unravel the complex interactions between chronic HIV treatment and cocaine addiction, exploring their combined effects on neuronal health and cognitive abilities. By using animal models, the lab investigates the underlying mechanisms that contribute to neuronal dysfunction and seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive outcomes in people living with HIV.

Dr. Johnny J. He's lab at Rosalind Franklin University focuses on understanding and treating HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, which affect many individuals living with HIV. The research aims to explore how a modulator called PNU-120596 can protect brain cells from damage caused by HIV and improve cognitive function. By studying the molecular mechanisms at play, the lab hopes to contribute to developing effective treatments for these conditions and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.

Dr. Aakanksha Jain's lab focuses on understanding how the nervous system and immune system interact to influence pain and inflammation in autoimmune arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. The lab's research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of joint inflammation and pain, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing this debilitating condition. Students will be involved in cutting-edge research that combines neuroscience and immunology, utilizing advanced techniques to explore these critical interactions.

Dr. Edwin Chi Keung Wan's lab studies the mechanisms behind multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that causes inflammation and damage to the nervous system. By focusing on the interactions between specific immune cells in brain tissue, the lab aims to uncover new pathways that could lead to better treatments for MS. The research combines animal models and advanced imaging techniques to explore how particular proteins are involved in the disease process.

Dr. Laurie E Kilpatrick's lab focuses on understanding how different types of immune cells, specifically neutrophils, contribute to sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by infection. The lab uses innovative techniques like 'organ-on-chip' technology to model human responses and characterize neutrophil behavior, aiming to develop targeted treatments for sepsis based on individual patient profiles. By linking immune cell characteristics to clinical outcomes, the research aims to improve therapies for this critical condition.

Dr. Andres Hidalgo's lab focuses on understanding the diverse roles of neutrophils in the immune system, particularly how different types of neutrophils can influence inflammation, immune response, and tissue repair. Their research explores how neutrophils, which are often known for their role in fighting infections, can also be involved in processes like promoting healing and modulating the adaptive immune system. By investigating these unique functions, the lab aims to uncover new ways to harness neutrophil activity for therapeutic benefit in diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammation.

Dr. Michael Niederweis' lab investigates how the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis survives within the human host. They focus on the secretion of toxins and siderophores, which help the bacteria evade the immune system and acquire essential nutrients like iron. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential targets for new tuberculosis treatments and improve our understanding of how this pathogen causes disease.

Dr. Suzanne Noble's research lab at UCSF focuses on understanding how certain fungi, particularly Candida species, colonize the human body without causing disease and how they can become pathogenic. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms behind gut colonization by Candida albicans and skin colonization by Candida auris, helping to shed light on the transitions from harmless commensalism to pathogenicity. This research is crucial for developing strategies to manage fungal infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.

Dr. Elizabeth B. Norton’s lab focuses on developing effective vaccines against enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), a major cause of diarrhea, especially in vulnerable populations. The lab conducts in-depth analysis of vaccine responses using samples from clinical trials, aiming to uncover the immunological mechanisms that lead to strong protective effects. This research not only seeks to enhance vaccine efficacy but also aims to improve public health outcomes by addressing a significant bacterial infection.

Dr. Andrew Olive's lab at Michigan State University focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to tuberculosis (TB) infections. The lab investigates the role of specific proteins, known as GSK3a and GSK3b, in regulating immune responses during TB. The goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments and prevention strategies for this serious disease.

Dr. Blossom Damania's lab at the University of North Carolina focuses on understanding how certain viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and others, can lead to cancer. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms through which these viruses cause diseases like lymphoma and to explore new therapeutic approaches to combat these cancers. By studying the interactions between the virus and human cells, the lab hopes to develop strategies for prevention and treatment of virus-related malignancies.

Dr. Arlene H. Sharpe's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on enhancing the body's immune response against tumors by investigating the role of one-carbon metabolism. The team studies how supplementing with certain metabolites can improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies that use immune checkpoint blockade. Their work aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these processes, ultimately leading to better treatments for cancer patients.

Dr. Akira Ono's lab at the University of Michigan studies the HIV virus and how it infects host cells, particularly CD4+ T cells. They investigate the mechanisms of HIV assembly and entry into these immune cells, focusing on the roles of specific proteins and cellular processes that contribute to the infection cycle. Their research aims to identify new antiviral strategies to combat HIV by interfering with how the virus assembles and spreads within the body.

Dr. Joel Pachter's lab focuses on understanding meningeal ectopic lymphoid tissues (mELTs), which are clusters of immune cells that appear in the brains of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Their research seeks to explore how these structures contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration during MS. By utilizing advanced imaging and transcriptomic techniques, the lab aims to uncover the cellular composition and gene expression patterns of mELTs to identify new therapeutic targets for treating MS.