Dr. Hualiang Pi's research lab focuses on understanding how the bacterium Clostridioides difficile adapts to iron availability in the gut and how this adaptation affects its interactions with the host and other microbes. By exploring the formation of specialized organelles called ferrosomes, which store iron and help the bacteria thrive, the lab aims to identify new ways to treat infections caused by this pathogen. The work not only addresses a critical health issue but also seeks to reveal the fundamental biological processes that govern microbial behavior in the intestine.

Dr. Kole Roybal's lab at UCSF focuses on developing innovative engineered T cell therapies for cancer treatment, particularly targeting malignant mesothelioma. The lab is pioneering the use of combination antigen sensing technologies to enhance the precision and effectiveness of T cell activation against solid tumors. Additionally, they are working on novel imaging techniques that utilize engineered T cells for better monitoring of tumor response to therapies, contributing to safer and more effective cancer treatments.

Dr. Joshua J. Obar's lab focuses on understanding how the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes chronic lung diseases such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. The lab investigates the interactions between this fungus and the immune system, specifically looking at how certain immune cells called alveolar macrophages can either help or hinder the persistence of the fungus in the lungs. This research aims to reveal new ways to treat chronic fungal infections by targeting these immune cells to improve health outcomes for patients.

Dr. Kevin Sean Kimbro's lab focuses on understanding how genetic variations affect immune responses, particularly in African Americans, who face significant health disparities. The lab aims to identify under-studied gene variants associated with diseases such as cancer and heart disease, and develop new therapies that address these disparities. By studying these genetic factors, the lab seeks to enhance precision medicine approaches that cater to the unique health needs of diverse populations.

Dr. Edward A. Miao's research lab at Duke University studies how bacteria interact with the immune system and how the immune system responds to infections. They focus on understanding the strategies pathogens use to evade immune detection, how immune structures called granulomas help contain infections, and the mechanisms of controlled cell death. By exploring these topics, the lab aims to reveal new insights into infectious diseases and the immune response.

Dr. Flavia Rocha Teles' lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can result in tooth loss. Through innovative use of existing clinical data and samples, the lab aims to uncover the microbial changes that indicate disease progression versus stability, with a goal of improving prevention and treatment strategies for periodontitis patients. By integrating microbiology, immunology, and computational biology, her team seeks to provide new insights into how microorganisms affect gum health and overall wellbeing.

Dr. Ana Rodriguez's lab at NYU School of Medicine investigates how cerebral malaria disrupts the blood-brain barrier, which can lead to severe neurological symptoms and death. The lab focuses on understanding the role of the malaria parasite and its byproducts in this process, aiming to identify new potential treatments. Using cell models and animal studies, they are exploring molecular mechanisms that could help develop innovative therapies for this serious condition.

Dr. Kartik Chandran's lab focuses on the investigation of viral pathogens, particularly enveloped RNA viruses, to develop new vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. Their research includes studying the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which is a severe threat to public health, and creating fast, adaptable strategies for combating various emerging infectious diseases. Through collaborative efforts, they aim to generate effective immunization strategies and improve our understanding of viral pathogenesis.

Dr. Theresa L. Chang's lab at Rutgers University focuses on understanding how sex differences affect immune responses in people living with HIV/AIDS. They investigate how these differences impact disease progression and the persistence of the virus in the body, with the aim of improving treatment strategies. By studying a specialized animal model that mimics human HIV infection, the lab aims to explore the role of estrogen in immune regulation and viral persistence.

Jueqi Chen's research lab at the University of Chicago studies how certain bacterial toxins, called cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs), can activate the body's immune system by stimulating a protein complex known as the NLRP3 inflammasome. This process helps fight off bacterial infections but can also lead to harmful inflammation if not properly regulated. By exploring the mechanisms behind this interaction, the lab aims to identify new strategies for designing antimicrobial drugs and understanding how pathogens affect human health.

Katherine B Chiappinelli's lab at George Washington University explores how certain genetic elements called LINE-1 contribute to immune evasion in ovarian cancer. They focus on understanding the mechanisms behind the expression of these elements and their effects on the tumor microenvironment. The long-term goal of this research is to uncover new potential therapies for ovarian cancer that target these immune evasion mechanisms.

David Emmet Nelson's lab focuses on understanding chlamydia infections in men, particularly how certain men may resist the infection and transmit it less. The research aims to explore the relationship between the male immune system, the microbiome in the urethra, and the dynamics of chlamydia infections. This work could lead to better prevention strategies for chlamydia, especially among women.

Dr. Michael Starnbach's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding how the immune system, specifically CD8+ T cells, responds to infections caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The lab aims to uncover why these T cells are unable to form long-lasting memory after primary infection, which leads to repeated infections and potential infertility in affected individuals. Their research also explores new vaccine strategies to enhance immune response and protection against this significant public health issue.

Dr. Guangming Zhong's lab focuses on developing an innovative oral vaccine to prevent Chlamydia trachomatis, a common sexually transmitted infection. They are researching a specific strain of Chlamydia muridarum that can safely stimulate the immune system without causing disease. The lab's work aims to establish effective immunization strategies that could lead to clinical trials for this vaccine, significantly impacting public health.

The lab led by Jun Zhu at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how the bacterium Vibrio cholerae interacts with the gut microbiome and human mucins during infection. The research explores how variances in gut microbiota influence V. cholerae colonization and the disease outcomes in individuals. It aims to uncover the mechanisms through which bacterial enzymes interact with mucus layers to modulate infections, which may lead to novel treatments for cholera.

John Joseph Mekalanos's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. Their research explores how this pathogen interacts with the host immune system, commensal organisms, and viral agents. They also work on developing innovative vaccines and therapeutic approaches that could have far-reaching implications for public health and microbial immunology.

Dr. Nancy Kleckner's lab at Harvard University studies how chromosomes behave and organize themselves during important processes like cell division and reproduction. By examining both yeast and E. coli, the team explores the similarities between meiotic (sexual reproduction) and mitotic (cell division) chromosomes, looking for common patterns and mechanisms. Their work has implications for understanding infertility, cancer, and antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed Khan's lab at George Washington University studies how a type of immune cell, CD4 T cells, becomes less effective during chronic infections like toxoplasmosis. They investigate the molecular mechanisms that lead to CD4 T cell exhaustion and how restoring their function could improve immunity against infections. Their research aims to develop therapies that enhance immune responses in people with weakened immune systems, particularly those suffering from conditions like HIV.

Dr. Daniel J. Wozniak's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding the complex relationships between harmful bacteria and how they affect chronic infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. By studying the interactions between two common pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, the lab aims to develop new treatments using bacteriophages, which are viruses that can kill bacteria. The goal is to find better ways to treat difficult-to-heal infections, especially those resistant to traditional antibiotics.

Dr. Hachung Chung's research lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how specific RNA structures contribute to immune responses and inflammation, particularly in neurons. They investigate the role of long 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) in generating immunostimulatory double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which can trigger autoinflammatory diseases when dysregulated. The lab's work aims to uncover the mechanisms behind RNA lengthening and dsRNA production, with the potential for developing new therapies for neuroinflammatory conditions.