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. Haitao Wen's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how a specific type of cell death, called ferroptosis, can be induced in cancer cells. The lab investigates how mitochondrial calcium signaling affects this process, especially in cancers that resist traditional therapies. By exploring the connections between cell death and immune response in tumors, the research aims to identify new ways to enhance cancer treatment.

Dr. Purnima Dubey's research lab at Ohio State University focuses on developing advanced vaccines to combat respiratory infections, particularly those caused by SARS-CoV-2 and Bordetella pertussis. The lab aims to create mucosal vaccines that not only provide immediate protection against these pathogens but also induce long-lasting immune responses. By exploring innovative adjuvants and novel immunogenic proteins, the research seeks to improve vaccine efficacy significantly and reduce transmission of these diseases.

Dr. Amal O. Amer's research lab focuses on understanding the immune response and disease mechanisms related to viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab's major projects examine the role of specific immune pathways in COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease, as well as how immune cells respond to infections like Legionella. By investigating the underlying biological processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating these complex diseases.

Dr. Hazem E. Ghoneim's lab focuses on improving cancer immunotherapies by studying how T cells, key players in the immune system, lose their effectiveness during chronic infections and cancer. The lab aims to understand the epigenetic changes that lead T cells to become exhausted and to develop strategies to rejuvenate these exhausted cells, enhancing their ability to respond to treatment. This innovative research combines advanced genetic engineering techniques with in-depth analyses of T cell function in both lab models and live subjects.

Dr. Murugesan Rajaram's lab at Ohio State University is focused on understanding how Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) interacts with the immune system, specifically macrophages, to survive and resist treatment. The lab aims to develop new therapies to combat tuberculosis by targeting the mechanisms that allow M.tb to evade the immune response. By studying the role of protein MDR1 and the host's innate immune response, the lab seeks to shorten treatment times and reduce drug resistance in TB.