Dr. Juilee Thakar's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV infection influences cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. They study the role of platelet-monocyte interactions and how these contribute to chronic inflammation and the acceleration of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected individuals. By using advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing and molecular modeling, their research aims to uncover mechanisms behind these processes and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and new therapeutic targets.

Dr. Rebecca A. Elsner's lab focuses on understanding the extrafollicular B cell response, which plays a key role in our immune defense but is often overlooked. The lab explores how this response is regulated and its implications for diseases like lupus and COVID-19. By investigating the interaction of B cells with other immune cells, and how they differentiate in response to certain signals, the research aims to uncover new strategies for vaccine development and treatments for autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Rita Tamayo's lab studies the behavior of a bacterium called Clostridioides difficile, which can lead to serious intestinal infections, especially after antibiotic use. Her research focuses on how this bacterium varies its characteristics to survive in different environments, particularly how it balances the production of harmful toxins and flagella (which help it move and attach to cells) to thrive in the intestines. By uncovering the mechanisms behind this variability and how it affects the bacteria's ability to cause disease, the lab aims to contribute to new methods for preventing and treating C. difficile infections.

Dr. Mary Weber's lab focuses on the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections. The research investigates how this pathogen manipulates the host's cellular environment to evade the immune response and establish a stable replicative niche. By studying specific inclusion membrane proteins, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments and vaccines against Chlamydia infections.

Dr. Kenneth A. Fields leads a research lab focused on understanding how the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis manipulates host cell biology to promote its own survival and pathogenesis. His team studies the proteins that Chlamydia secretes to alter the host cell's actin cytoskeleton and vesicular transport, which are crucial for infection. By exploring these molecular interactions, the lab aims to uncover new insights into Chlamydia-related diseases and their effects on human health.

Dr. Jeff Lichtman's lab focuses on mapping the brain's intricate connections at the level of individual synapses, particularly in the mouse hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory and navigation. By using advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to generate a comprehensive brain map that will enhance our understanding of how brain circuits function and how they may malfunction in diseases like Alzheimer’s. The research also emphasizes involving students in hands-on scientific processes to foster education and discovery.

Dr. Xiaorong Lin's lab focuses on developing a vaccine for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a severe fungal infection that is particularly dangerous for people with HIV/AIDS. The lab studies the life cycle of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, specifically its transition between different forms, to understand how it interacts with the immune system. By harnessing unique immunogenic properties of the fungus, the lab aims to create effective vaccines that can provide protection even for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Rachel L Miller's lab focuses on understanding how prenatal and early life environmental exposures affect children's health, particularly concerning asthma and ADHD. The lab's research examines various physical, chemical, and social exposures that may contribute to these conditions, aiming to identify ways to improve prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies for affected children. By utilizing a large population cohort, the lab aims to generate impactful insights that will enhance clinical practices in pediatric health.

Dr. Huang-Ge Zhang's lab focuses on understanding how tiny nanoparticles found in edible plants can prevent brain inflammation, which is a key issue in aging and brain diseases. By studying these nanoparticles, called exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs), the lab aims to uncover their effects on brain immune cells and the potential for developing new dietary interventions to improve brain health. This research could lead to novel strategies for preventing or treating chronic inflammation in the brain.

Dr. Scott M. Landfear's lab at Oregon Health & Science University studies the biology of Leishmania parasites, which cause significant infectious diseases in humans. The lab focuses on understanding the flagellum, a whip-like structure that plays critical roles in the parasite's movement and ability to infect hosts. By investigating how specific proteins traffic to the flagellar membrane and their functions, the research aims to uncover new strategies for controlling these deadly parasites.

Dr. Alison K. Criss's lab at the University of Virginia investigates how the gonorrhea-causing bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, evade the immune response, specifically focusing on white blood cells known as neutrophils. Given the rising antibiotic resistance of this bacterium, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow it to persist and survive in the human body. Their research may lead to new therapeutic targets to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea, contributing to better public health strategies.

Dr. Haitao Guo's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which affects millions of people worldwide. They investigate the role of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the body's inability to clear HBV, which contributes to serious liver conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer. By exploring the biological processes related to HBV persistence, their work aims to develop new treatment strategies for this public health challenge.

Jan Novak's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a leading cause of kidney failure. The research aims to identify the characteristics and biological activities of IgA1-containing immune complexes in patients with this disease. By studying these complexes, the lab seeks to uncover the factors that influence disease progression and develop targeted therapies.

Dr. Amal O. Amer's research lab focuses on understanding the immune response and disease mechanisms related to viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab's major projects examine the role of specific immune pathways in COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease, as well as how immune cells respond to infections like Legionella. By investigating the underlying biological processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating these complex diseases.

Dr. Randy Brutkiewicz's lab at Indiana University Indianapolis focuses on understanding how the immune system, specifically a type of immune cell called MAIT cells, contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its associated neuroinflammation. By investigating the mechanisms by which these cells and their interactions with brain cells like microglia and astrocytes impact AD pathology, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.

Dr. Dominique Missiakas leads a research lab that focuses on developing new immune therapeutics, particularly monoclonal antibodies, to combat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a serious human pathogen. The lab studies the mechanisms that bacteria use to evade the immune system and works on engineering antibodies to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, the lab is involved in the management and application of BSL3 (Biosafety Level 3) lab practices to safely research emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorism threats.

Dr. Thomas P. Burke's lab focuses on understanding how Rickettsia, a type of tick-borne bacteria, evade the immune system. They are investigating how these bacteria survive inside immune cells and how they avoid detection by the body's defenses. This research could lead to new treatments and vaccines for serious diseases caused by Rickettsia, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Luis J Sigal's lab focuses on understanding how modified mRNA vaccines can stimulate the immune system to produce memory CD8 T-cells that protect against viral infections. Their research particularly investigates the mechanisms behind these vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles and their potential to fight respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 as well as viruses that cause systemic infections, such as monkeypox. This work aims to enhance vaccine designs for better protection in humans and may lead to breakthroughs in both infectious disease and cancer therapies.

Dr. Yvonne Yu-Hsuan Chen's lab focuses on developing innovative immunotherapy approaches for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor. The lab's key strategy is to engineer CAR-T cells that target specific tumor markers while also modifying the surrounding tumor environment to enhance immune response. Their work includes rigorous safety evaluations and aims to generate essential preclinical data to support clinical trials for GBM treatments.

The research lab led by Dr. Lawrence P. Kane at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how certain immune cells regulate the body's response to cancer. By studying proteins like Tim-3 and their interaction with other immune pathways, the lab aims to develop more effective immunotherapies for solid tumors. The ultimate goal is to enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer by targeting specific immune cells and pathways.