Dr. Xue-Zhong Yu's lab focuses on understanding the immune responses in the context of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and cancer immunotherapy. They investigate the role of cytokines like IL-39 in GVHD and explore how manipulating certain kinases can improve anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, they look into the effects of the gut microbiome and probiotics on GVHD, aiming to enhance patient outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Dr. Janko Z. Nikolich's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects the immune system, particularly the decline of T cells in older adults. By investigating the mechanisms behind this decline, the lab aims to develop strategies for rejuvenating T cells to improve health and immunity in the elderly. They also explore how cytomegalovirus (CMV) influences aging in people living with HIV, with the goal of establishing better treatments for age-related conditions in this population.

Dr. Steven L. Reiner's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how to improve cancer immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancers. The lab is investigating mechanisms of T cell behavior in response to cancers and how to enhance their ability to persist and effectively attack tumors. Ultimately, their work aims to develop better predictive tests for treatment response and advanced strategies for patients who do not respond well to current therapies.

Dr. Botond Z Igyarto's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding how mRNA-LNP vaccines impact our immune system, particularly through mechanisms known as trained immunity. The research investigates not only the immediate immune responses to these vaccines but also their potential long-term effects across generations. By using advanced techniques such as single-cell analysis and mouse models, the lab aims to shed light on how vaccination may alter genetic factors in immune cells and influence our ability to respond to infections.

Dr. Elia D. Tait Wojno's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how the body responds to gut parasites and allergens, especially in relation to inflammation. The research emphasizes the role of a specific lipid and its receptor, which are crucial in managing inflammation in the intestines. By studying how these factors interact, the lab aims to uncover new ways to treat conditions related to inflammation in the gut.

Dr. Bahareh Ajami's lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, alpha5 integrin, in the development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a serious neurodegenerative condition. The research investigates how immune cells, particularly myeloid cells, influence the disease and how targeting alpha5 integrin could be a new approach for treatment. By using genetic models and advanced cellular systems, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that may lead to better therapies for ALS patients.

Dr. James B. Kaper's lab at the University of Maryland Baltimore focuses on understanding how certain strains of E. coli and Shigella bacteria cause diarrhea. Using advanced models that mimic the human intestine, the lab studies the interactions between these pathogens and the immune system. By creating mini-intestines and incorporating immune cells, they aim to unravel the mechanisms of infection and explore potential treatments and vaccines.

Dr. Haitao Hu's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on researching new strategies to fight HIV by targeting specific cellular proteins that regulate the virus's ability to remain dormant in the body. Their work involves using small molecules to modulate these proteins and enforce HIV latency, which could lead to innovative treatments for HIV infections. The lab employs a mix of molecular and cell biology techniques to explore these interactions and develop potential therapeutic solutions.

Dr. Hoshang Unwalla's lab focuses on understanding how HIV affects the lungs, particularly in people living with HIV who develop COPD. The team explores the role of microRNAs and the lung's molecular clock in this process, aiming to find new ways to prevent and treat COPD in these individuals. Their work combines cutting-edge techniques, like CRISPR, to manipulate gene expression and address the unique challenges posed by HIV in lung health.

Dr. Janice J. Endsley's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston focuses on understanding how certain immune cells called macrophages respond to lung infections, particularly those caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacterium that causes tuberculosis). By studying the role of specific proteins in these cells, the lab investigates how infections and conditions like HIV can affect the immune response and inflammation. The goal is to find new ways to enhance immune function and improve treatment strategies for tuberculosis and related infections.

Dr. Kirk Deitsch's research lab focuses on understanding how malaria parasites change their outer surfaces to evade the immune system. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind this process, the lab aims to find new ways to combat malaria, particularly in young children who are at high risk of severe disease. This work not only enhances our understanding of malaria but also seeks to develop better treatments.

Dr. Jun R. Huh's lab at Harvard Medical School studies how pregnancy-related immune changes affect brain development in fetuses, particularly focusing on the differences between male and female brains. The research aims to understand why neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, are more common in males and how maternal immune factors play a role in shaping fetal brain vulnerability to stress. By examining the mechanisms involved, the lab aims to provide insights that could lead to better interventions for these disorders.

Dr. Jorge C Escalante's lab at the University of Georgia focuses on understanding how prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, manage their metabolism to adapt to different environments, including during infections. The lab studies specific enzymes that modify other proteins and examines the complex process of making a large coenzyme essential for microbial life. They use advanced techniques to visualize these intricate molecular structures and aim to uncover new therapeutic targets for human diseases related to microbial infections.

Dr. Satya Dandekar’s research focuses on eliminating HIV using innovative strategies that involve mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in a monkey model. The lab investigates how these stem cells can enhance the immune system's ability to target and eradicate the virus. This work is crucial for developing new treatments and vaccines against HIV and understanding severe immune responses.

Dr. E. Ashley Moseman's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding the immune responses in the upper respiratory tract, particularly how specific antibody-producing cells called plasma cells function to protect the olfactory mucosa. This research is crucial for improving vaccine strategies to better prevent infections like SARS-CoV-2 that target the respiratory system. By studying how these plasma cells establish and maintain residency in the tissue, the lab aims to enhance our understanding of local immunity against airborne pathogens.

Dr. Gummuluru's lab focuses on understanding how infections like HIV and substances like opioids lead to increased inflammation in the brain, which can result in cognitive problems for patients. By studying specialized brain immune cells known as microglia, the lab seeks to identify the molecular mechanisms that trigger inflammation when these two factors are present together. This research aims to inform new therapies that can help manage cognitive impairments in individuals with both HIV and opioid use disorders.

The D'Orazio lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious brain infections, invades the enteric nervous system. They explore how the bacteria's specific characteristics help it to cross from the gut to the brain, especially in otherwise healthy individuals. Research findings could lead to new insights into foodborne illnesses and their impact on health.

Dr. Colleen M. Lau's lab at Cornell University studies the immune system, focusing on a group of cells called natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are unique because they can develop memory, allowing them to respond better to infections over time. The lab investigates how NK cells remember past infections at a molecular level, particularly through changes in the way their DNA is organized and modified. This research aims to develop better strategies for cell-based immunotherapies to treat diseases by enhancing NK cell memory and function.

Dr. Hank S. Seifert's lab focuses on understanding Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, particularly how it uses Type IV pili to adhere to cells and evade the immune system. Their research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance as well as pilin antigenic variation, which allows the bacterium to change its surface proteins to escape detection. The lab's work aims to identify new treatment strategies and gain insights into the biology of this important human pathogen.

Dr. Ashok K Chopra's lab focuses on developing innovative vaccines against the plague by studying the immunological responses in both mice and non-human primates. By identifying new virulence genes of the plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis, the lab aims to create safer and more effective vaccines than those currently available. The research not only enhances our understanding of how to combat this deadly disease but also seeks to address public health risks posed by antibiotic-resistant strains.