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. Maria Ciofani's lab at Duke University investigates the genetic factors contributing to multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease marked by inflammation and damage in the central nervous system. The team focuses on understanding how specific noncoding genetic variations influence immune responses, particularly those of CD4 T cells, in MS. By utilizing advanced genomic techniques, they aim to identify critical regulatory variants that may lead to new treatment strategies for MS.

Dr. Mari Shinohara's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how alveolar macrophages, a type of immune cell in the lungs, respond to fungal infections. They investigate how these macrophages can have both protective and harmful responses during infections, and aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to their diverse behavior. This research is essential for developing better treatments for patients suffering from pulmonary fungal infections.

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.

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.