Nicole Baumgarth · Microbiology & Immunology
The Baumgarth lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how B cells respond during influenza infections to improve vaccine design. They investigate how innate immune signals regulate B cell activation and help generate strong antibody responses. By studying the mechanisms behind B cell differentiation and memory, the lab aims to find ways to create vaccines that offer longer-lasting protection against viruses like influenza.
Kim Davis · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Kim Davis's lab focuses on understanding how certain bacteria survive antibiotic treatment within the human body. These survival strategies can lead to relapsing infections, which are a growing public health concern. The lab uses a mouse model to study how bacteria interact with immune cells and how these interactions help them persist during antibiotic therapy. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to improve antibiotic treatments and combat these persistent infections.
Pei-Hsun Wu · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Pei-Hsun Wu's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding cellular senescence, especially in the context of aging and age-related diseases. By creating three-dimensional maps of tissues like the pancreas, breast, and ovaries, the lab aims to explore how senescent cells are distributed and how they contribute to various disorders. Their innovative approaches combine advanced imaging techniques and molecular profiling to uncover the complexities of these cells within human tissues.
Isabelle Coppens · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Isabelle Coppens leads a research lab at Johns Hopkins University that focuses on understanding how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite survives inside host cells. Her team investigates the ways in which this parasite hijacks lipid transport mechanisms from mammalian cells, allowing it to acquire essential nutrients for survival. This research has implications for developing treatments against Toxoplasma and enhancing our understanding of cellular processes.
Arturo Casadevall · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Arturo Casadevall's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding the biology of Cryptococcus neoformans, a dangerous fungal pathogen. The lab investigates how this fungus produces melanin, which helps it evade the immune system and resist antifungal treatments. By studying this process, the lab aims to develop new drugs and diagnostic tools to treat infections caused by drug-resistant fungi, ultimately improving health outcomes for people, especially those with weakened immune systems.
George Dimopoulos · Microbiology & Immunology
George Dimopoulos's research lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes respond to infections by arboviruses like Dengue and Zika. By exploring the immune mechanisms within these mosquitoes, especially through RNA interference and traditional immune pathways, the goal is to develop innovative strategies to reduce the spread of these diseases. This research is particularly important for public health as it can lead to new ways to control mosquito populations and limit virus transmission.
Joseph B. Margolick · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Joseph B. Margolick's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding HIV infection and its long-term effects on health, particularly among men who have sex with men. The lab contributes to a major study that has been ongoing since 1984, examining both the natural and treated histories of HIV. They aim to deepen our knowledge of how HIV affects aging and related health issues through extensive data collection and collaboration with other research sites.
Andrew S. Pekosz · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Andrew S. Pekosz's lab studies the measles virus, particularly focusing on how the measles vaccine works and its effects on the immune system. The research involves understanding the differences between the wild type measles virus and the vaccine-strain virus in terms of how they replicate and stimulate immune responses. This work is vital for improving vaccination strategies and understanding the long-term health impacts of measles infection and vaccination.