Dr. Flavia Rocha Teles' lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can result in tooth loss. Through innovative use of existing clinical data and samples, the lab aims to uncover the microbial changes that indicate disease progression versus stability, with a goal of improving prevention and treatment strategies for periodontitis patients. By integrating microbiology, immunology, and computational biology, her team seeks to provide new insights into how microorganisms affect gum health and overall wellbeing.

The lab led by Jun Zhu at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how the bacterium Vibrio cholerae interacts with the gut microbiome and human mucins during infection. The research explores how variances in gut microbiota influence V. cholerae colonization and the disease outcomes in individuals. It aims to uncover the mechanisms through which bacterial enzymes interact with mucus layers to modulate infections, which may lead to novel treatments for cholera.

Dr. Modupe Coker's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on how oral bacteria influences human health, particularly in children and adolescents affected by HIV. They are investigating how oral HPV infections develop in youth born to mothers with HIV compared to those born to uninfected mothers. The lab aims to identify the relationship between oral microbiomes and the persistence of HPV infections, paving the way for future preventive measures and treatments.

Dr. James L. Riley's lab is focused on innovative therapies for HIV, aiming to develop methods that can not only control but potentially cure the infection. They are working on advanced techniques, including engineered T cells and mRNA lipid nanoparticles, to deliver targeted treatments that can help remove the hidden reservoirs of the virus within the body. This research leverages cutting-edge immune engineering and cell therapy to improve patient outcomes for people living with HIV.

Dr. Michael Betts' lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms that allow HIV to persist in infected individuals, which is crucial for developing effective cure strategies. They utilize advanced techniques to analyze the immune response and the characteristics of the HIV reservoir, with the aim of enhancing treatments for people living with HIV. The research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve immune responses and reduce the viral reservoir in patients.

Dr. Kellie Ann Jurado's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on studying the roles of cytokines in pregnancy, particularly the cytokine Interleukin 27 (IL-27). The lab investigates how IL-27 functions as an immune regulator during congenital infections and aims to understand its protective effects at the maternal-fetal interface. By defining the mechanisms of IL-27 signaling, the lab seeks to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Michela Locci's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how mRNA vaccines, specifically for SARS-CoV-2, regulate immune responses in the body. The research particularly looks at how long-lasting and effective these vaccines are in generating protective antibodies and memory cells. By exploring key questions about immune cell interactions and vaccine effectiveness, the lab aims to improve future vaccine strategies and inform the development of new vaccines against challenging pathogens.

Dr. Sunny Shin's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies the immune system's responses to bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria. The lab focuses on how specific immune responses, called inflammasomes, are triggered by a component of bacteria known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Understanding these responses can lead to new treatments for severe infections and sepsis, a serious condition that can result from overwhelming immune reactions.

Dr. Susan R. Weiss's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how different types of coronaviruses interact with the human immune system. They study how these viruses, like SARS-CoV-2 and MERS, evade immune responses and lead to varying disease severities. The lab also examines the nasal epithelial cells, the first line of defense against these infections, to find ways to improve treatments and prepare for future outbreaks.