Dr. Ferric C. Fang's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding enteric fever caused by Salmonella bacteria. The lab utilizes innovative models, including humanized mice, to study how Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A evade the immune system and persist in the host. Their research aims to uncover new strategies for preventing and treating infections related to these pathogens.

Dr. Martin Joseph Richer's lab at Indiana University Indianapolis focuses on understanding how diet, specifically high salt intake, affects immune responses to viral infections. Their research investigates whether excessive salt can hinder the function of critical immune cells, particularly CD8 T cells, which play a vital role in fighting off viruses. By exploring the mechanisms involved, they aim to uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve immune function in individuals consuming high levels of dietary salt.

Dr. Christopher Sassetti's lab focuses on understanding how genetic diversity among both humans and the tuberculosis bacterium affects disease outcomes. By using advanced models, including mice that mimic human genetic diversity, the lab studies how different genetic and environmental factors interact to influence tuberculosis infection. The goal is to identify pathways that impact disease progression and improve strategies for diagnosis and vaccination against tuberculosis.

Dr. John-Demian Sauer's lab focuses on understanding how the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes survives inside host cells. The research centers on the unique adaptations that allow these bacteria to thrive in the stressful environment of the cytosol — the liquid found inside cells. By identifying key genes and pathways that help Listeria respond to stress and utilize nutrients, the lab aims to uncover new insights into bacterial behavior and potentially inform public health strategies against infections.

Dr. David Schatz's lab at Yale University studies how certain enzymes, specifically the RAG proteins, shape the immune system by cutting and rearranging DNA. These processes are essential for developing antibodies but can occasionally lead to mistakes that may result in blood cancers. The lab combines modern techniques in biochemistry, structural biology, and genetics to explore the intricate mechanisms of V(D)J recombination and somatic hypermutation in human cells.

Dr. Jonas Schluter's lab at NYU School of Medicine is focused on understanding how the human gut microbiome relates to health and disease, especially in cancer patients. They study how the microbiome can influence drug effectiveness and how certain microbes may compete with harmful pathogens. Using advanced data analysis techniques, including machine learning, the lab aims to uncover new ways to engineer beneficial changes in the microbiome for therapeutic purposes.

Dr. Patrick R. Secor's research lab at Montana State University focuses on understanding Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The lab investigates how bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, contribute to the spread of genetic material between different strains of Borrelia. This research is important as it may uncover mechanisms that help the bacterium survive in nature and evade treatments, ultimately aiming to improve disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Dr. David Serre's lab focuses on the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium vivax, known for its ability to remain dormant in the liver and cause relapse infections. The lab uses advanced techniques to study the molecular mechanisms of this dormancy and how the parasite invades and develops within red blood cells. Their research aims to improve malaria vaccines and treatments, particularly for populations at risk.

Dr. William Maurice Shafer's lab at Emory University studies the genetics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea. The research focuses on how these bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics through a structure called the MtrCDE efflux pump. By understanding the genetic factors that contribute to this resistance, the lab aims to inform future treatments and public health strategies against gonorrhea.

Dr. Sunny Shin's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies the immune system's responses to bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria. The lab focuses on how specific immune responses, called inflammasomes, are triggered by a component of bacteria known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Understanding these responses can lead to new treatments for severe infections and sepsis, a serious condition that can result from overwhelming immune reactions.

Dr. Mark Shlomchik's lab focuses on understanding how memory B cells develop and function, particularly in response to infections and vaccinations. By studying the molecular and cellular processes in germinal centers, which are key sites for antibody production, the lab aims to uncover how our immune system remembers pathogens and generates long-lasting immunity. This research has implications for vaccine design and understanding various immune-related diseases.

Dr. L. David Sibley's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding and combating chronic infections caused by the parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium. The research primarily aims to develop new drug therapies that can effectively treat chronic stages of these infections, which pose significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. By exploring genetic factors, microbial interactions, and developing novel inhibitors, the lab is working toward innovative solutions for these pressing public health issues.

Dr. Viviana A Simon's research lab focuses on understanding HIV and coronavirus infections, particularly why some people can carry these viruses for long periods without clearing them. The lab employs advanced techniques to investigate how different immune cells interact with viruses like HIV and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, they are working on developing vaccines that can provide broad protection against various coronaviruses. This lab combines clinical studies with cutting-edge molecular biology to uncover key insights that could lead to effective treatments and vaccines.

Dr. Harinder Singh's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how the immune system, particularly B cells and T follicular helper (TFH) cells, responds to influenza vaccinations in children. The lab uses advanced genomic and immunological techniques to analyze the effectiveness of vaccines and aims to identify the molecular factors that lead to durable antibody responses, potentially improving vaccine strategies.

Dr. Cuong Q Nguyen's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding Sjogren's Disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands. The lab uses advanced proteomics to uncover unique proteins that could trigger this disease. By identifying these proteins and their interactions with immune cells, the lab aims to discover new therapies to prevent or treat Sjogren's Disease, especially in those who are genetically predisposed.

Dr. Jon T Skare's lab focuses on Lyme disease, specifically how the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes the disease, establishes and maintains infections. The research investigates a regulatory protein called BosR that helps the bacteria adapt to different environments during infection. By understanding BosR's role in regulating gene expression, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for preventing and treating Lyme disease.

Dr. Pamela J Skinner's lab focuses on understanding how HIV persists in the body, particularly in secretive reservoirs like the gut and brain. They are developing innovative therapies that use genetically engineered immune cells to seek out and eliminate these hidden viral reservoirs, aiming for a potential cure for HIV. This research is crucial for improving treatment strategies and possibly eradicating the virus in infected individuals.

Dr. Justin Sonnenburg's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding the gut microbiome and its role in human health. By studying how different bacteria contribute to the production of beneficial metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids, the lab aims to restore balance in gut microbiomes that have been negatively affected by modern diets. Their work has important implications for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases linked to gut health.

Dr. Huiping Zhou's lab focuses on understanding alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is a serious condition with no FDA-approved treatments. The lab investigates the role of certain lipids, specifically sphingolipids, in liver inflammation and damage caused by alcohol consumption. By exploring how these lipids affect liver and gut health, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating ALD.

Dr. Christina Leigh Stallings' lab focuses on understanding and combating tuberculosis (TB), a deadly disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The lab is developing innovative treatments that target drug-resistant strains of TB by creating new compounds that act through unique mechanisms. Additionally, the research investigates how immune responses, particularly during co-infection with HIV, affect TB progression and treatment outcomes.