Dr. Rafi Ahmed's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to chronic viral infections and vaccinations, particularly in the context of T cell memory. His research aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow certain T cells to maintain their function over time, even in the presence of persistent viral infections. By studying these processes, the lab hopes to improve immunotherapies and vaccination strategies, particularly against SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses.

Rama Rao Amara's lab at Emory University focuses on developing innovative approaches to vaccinate against HIV and achieve long-term remission from the virus. Their research includes creating DNA-based vaccines that stimulate both strong antibody production and robust cellular immunity, which are crucial for controlling HIV infections. The lab also explores therapies that target the immune system to improve CD8 T cell responses and reduce viral reservoirs, making strides in finding effective treatments for HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Jeremy M. Boss's lab focuses on understanding how B cells, which are crucial for the immune response, decide between becoming antibody-secreting cells or memory B cells. By examining the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms involved in this decision-making process, the lab aims to uncover the pathways that inform these fates. This research is important for developing effective vaccines and immune therapies, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.

Dr. Anice C. Lowen's lab at Emory University studies how influenza A viruses spread among humans and other animals. They use advanced techniques to understand the biology of the virus, how it interacts with different hosts, and the factors that influence transmission. Their work aims to improve public health strategies for controlling influenza outbreaks and pandemics.

Dr. Jacob E. Kohlmeier's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how T cells and innate immune responses protect against respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The research investigates how memory T cells in the respiratory tract recognize viruses and how the immune system can be trained to respond better to respiratory infections. The findings aim to enhance vaccine designs for better immunity against viral infections and to understand the dynamics of immune responses to respiratory viruses.

Dr. William Maurice Shafer's lab at Emory University studies the genetics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea. The research focuses on how these bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics through a structure called the MtrCDE efflux pump. By understanding the genetic factors that contribute to this resistance, the lab aims to inform future treatments and public health strategies against gonorrhea.

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. 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. Chaoran Li's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how specialized immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs) function in the skin. These Tregs help prevent skin inflammation and maintain tissue health. The lab explores the metabolic processes and epigenetic changes that influence these immune cells, particularly in response to environmental factors. Their goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.