Dr. Francis Alonzo's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago studies how Staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous bacterium that causes many infections, survives in our bodies. They explore how the bacterium uses certain nutrients and lipids to evade the immune system and persist during infections. By understanding these processes, the lab aims to discover new ways to combat bacterial infections and improve treatment options.

Dr. Daniel B. Stetson's lab at the University of Washington focuses on enhancing cancer immunotherapy by manipulating the body's immune response to tumors. Specifically, the research investigates a novel pathway that uses DNA repair mechanisms to activate immune responses against tumors, particularly in cases where standard treatments have failed. By using humanized mouse models and other advanced techniques, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could lead to more effective treatments for cancer.

Dr. Christopher N. Larock's research lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes causes severe infections and illness. The lab studies the interactions between this bacterium and skin cells, specifically looking at a novel cell death process that could reveal new ways to treat serious infections. By examining these cellular processes, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes for diseases caused by this pathogen.

Dr. Maureen A. Su's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system contributes to autoimmune diseases, particularly those affecting hormone-producing tissues. They explore the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in these conditions, investigating how differences in male and female immune responses can impact disease outcomes. The lab combines expertise from various fields to identify new targets for immunotherapy that can improve patient care in autoimmune endocrinopathies and enhance viral infection responses.

Dr. Yijun Sun's lab focuses on understanding basal-like breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. They use advanced sequencing technologies and computational techniques to explore how this cancer progresses and to develop better prognostic tests and potential therapeutic targets. The lab aims to improve treatment options for patients and contribute to the overall knowledge of cancer biology.

Dr. Nevil John Singh's lab at the University of Maryland Baltimore researches how the immune system coordinates responses to infections that start in one part of the body and spread to others. They study how certain immune cells, like dendritic cells, communicate with distant tissues to enhance immune readiness against future infections. This research could lead to better vaccines and treatments that prepare the immune system for infections more effectively.

Dr. Liuqing Yang's lab studies the intricate structures of DNA in T cells, particularly how they change in response to cancer, specifically renal medullary carcinoma (RMC). The lab uses advanced techniques to explore how genetic structures influence immune responses and the aggressive nature of cancer, especially in patients with sickle cell disease. Their research aims to improve cancer treatments by enhancing our understanding of the immune system's role in fighting tumors.

Dr. John Milner's lab explores how specific proteins influence T cell behavior during chronic infections like HIV and hepatitis. His research focuses on understanding how epigenetic regulators can modify T cells, which could potentially lead to new treatments that restore their effectiveness. By studying the roles of certain proteins in T cell function, the lab aims to uncover strategies to combat immune dysfunction in persistent infections.

Dr. Allan Zajac's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how immune cells, particularly T cells, become exhausted during chronic viral infections like HIV, HBV, and HCV. The research aims to discover the roles of specific immune signals, such as IL-2, in shaping the T cell response, which is crucial for improving treatments and immune responses in chronic infections. This work has significant implications for enhancing public health strategies against viral diseases by restoring effective immune function.

Dr. Matthew Gubin's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins, particularly Bhlhe40, affect the function of T cells in cancer immunotherapy. By exploring the role of Bhlhe40 in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, the lab seeks to enhance our knowledge of how these immune cells can effectively target and eliminate tumors. This research could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments, especially for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies.

Dr. John A. Tainer's lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson focuses on understanding how DNA repair mechanisms work in cancer cells. They study the response of cancer cells to DNA damage and how different DNA repair pathways are activated during this process. Their work combines innovative technologies and data analysis to uncover the complex interactions between DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and cancer biology, ultimately aiming to improve cancer therapies and patient outcomes.

Dr. Rahul Vijay's research lab focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The lab investigates the role of specific immune receptors (TAM receptors) and how they impact the body’s ability to fight off this infection. By exploring these immune mechanisms and developing new therapies, the lab aims to enhance the immune response and reduce the transmission and severity of malaria, making a significant contribution to public health.

Dr. Vera L. Tarakanova's lab focuses on understanding how gammaherpesviruses manipulate host immune responses for their own benefit during chronic infections. They study a specific viral protein kinase that is important for the virus's ability to persist in the body and contribute to B cell lymphomas. By exploring the mechanisms of this viral protein, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies to prevent or treat related cancers, as no vaccines or effective antiviral treatments currently exist.

Dr. Jeffery Sivert Tessem's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins can increase the mass of functional insulin-producing beta cells, which is crucial in treating diabetes. By studying the role of a protein called Nr4a1, the lab aims to discover new ways to enhance beta cell function and proliferation, potentially leading to better therapies for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Their research could help address significant health challenges related to diabetes management.

Dr. Markus Thali's lab at the University of Vermont focuses on understanding how the HIV virus spreads in the body, specifically by studying small clusters of infected T cells called syncytia. These syncytia can form as early as the initial stages of infection and may play a significant role in the virus's ability to infect healthy cells. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques and biological assays to explore the movement and behavior of these syncytia, aiming to uncover new strategies to combat HIV.

Dr. Jonathan P. Schroeder's lab focuses on enhancing access to vast population data to better understand health and demographic changes. By utilizing advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical methods, the lab creates resources that support researchers in analyzing important health disparities and trends across different communities. Their work is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and ensuring equitable health outcomes.

Dr. Seema S. Lakdawala's lab at Emory University studies how previous infections and vaccinations affect how easily influenza viruses spread through the air. By using ferrets as a model, the research aims to uncover the immune responses that can protect against the transmission of seasonal flu strains. The lab's work is important for developing better vaccines that can keep up with the evolving influenza viruses and improve public health outcomes.

Dr. Angela Marie Phillips' lab at UCSF focuses on how antibodies evolve and adapt to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research explores the physical properties of antibodies and how these influence their effectiveness in attaching to diverse viral variants. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to pave the way for designing better antibodies that can protect against current and future viruses.

Dr. Roger L. Shapiro's lab at Harvard focuses on improving treatment strategies for children and pregnant women living with HIV. Their research emphasizes the use of broadly neutralizing antibodies as potential alternatives to traditional antiretroviral therapy (ART), with aims to enhance safety and effectiveness during sensitive developmental periods. The lab conducts clinical trials in Botswana to explore innovative approaches, including the safe interruption of ART, and addresses critical questions concerning treatment during pregnancy and infancy.

Dr. Conejo-Garcia's lab focuses on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment. They engineer specialized antibodies that can penetrate tumor cells, targeting specific mutated proteins responsible for cancer growth. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies and help patients whose tumors are resistant to current treatments.