Dr. Maurizio Del Poeta's lab at Stony Brook University explores the biology of harmful fungi, particularly how they infect immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV. The research focuses on understanding the immune response to fungal infections and developing novel antifungal treatments that target specific enzymes unique to fungi, which can help improve patient outcomes. By utilizing mouse models and high-throughput screening, the lab aims to provide new insights and therapeutic strategies against invasive fungal infections.

Dr. Brian Sheridan's lab focuses on understanding how priming affects the development of a specific type of immune cell called tissue-resident memory T cells in the intestine. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which dietary factors, like vitamin A, influence the formation of these cells during immune responses. The ultimate goal is to improve vaccine strategies for gastrointestinal infections and to address issues related to vitamin A deficiency in populations with poor immune responses.

Dr. James B. Konopka's lab focuses on understanding how the fungal pathogen Candida albicans increases its ability to cause infections. By examining the role of the plasma membrane in helping this fungus survive harsh conditions and grow invasively in the human body, the team aims to uncover new strategies for developing better antifungal treatments. Their research combines genetics and microbiology to explore how these mechanisms can be targeted in future therapies.

Dr. Erich R Mackow's lab focuses on understanding how the Powassan virus (POWV), a tick-borne virus that can cause severe brain damage, infects the central nervous system, particularly in older individuals. The lab studies the differences in how the virus affects young versus aged mice and explores potential treatments to prevent serious neurological damage. By using advanced techniques like genetic engineering and single-cell RNA sequencing, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms of the virus's neurovirulence and develop strategies that could lead to vaccines or therapies for at-risk populations.

Dr. Hwan Keun Kim's lab focuses on understanding how our immune system responds to infections from tick-borne pathogens like Rickettsia. They are exploring the development of vaccines that could protect against these diseases, which are becoming more common in the United States. By studying how these bacteria invade and survive in human cells, the lab aims to create effective immunity and identify potential vaccine candidates.