Dr. Paul M. Dunman's research lab at the University of Rochester focuses on tackling the critical issue of antibiotic resistance, specifically in the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. The lab studies how this pathogen develops resistance through various drug efflux pumps, which can pump out antibiotics and render them ineffective. By identifying and developing inhibitors that can block these efflux pumps, the lab aims to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics and combat multi-drug resistant infections in clinical settings.

Dr. Minsoo Kim's lab explores how immune cells interact with other tissues in the body, particularly focusing on T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and cancer. They study how these cells can be directed to target tissues without causing harmful side effects, especially in therapies like CAR-T cell treatment. Additionally, the lab investigates how certain immune cells promote the formation of long-lasting memory T cells that can quickly respond to infections, and how these processes are impacted during severe conditions like sepsis.

Dr. Juilee Thakar's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV infection influences cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. They study the role of platelet-monocyte interactions and how these contribute to chronic inflammation and the acceleration of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected individuals. By using advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing and molecular modeling, their research aims to uncover mechanisms behind these processes and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and new therapeutic targets.

Professor Felix Yarovinsky's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the immune system fights off infections from protozoan parasites like Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma gondii. The lab investigates how our innate immune responses, particularly through the action of a molecule called interferon gamma (IFN-γ), help protect against these pathogens, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children and immunocompromised individuals. By studying immune responses and developing mouse models, the lab aims to discover new ways to tackle these infections and improve public health outcomes.

Dr. Yiping Zhu's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV-1 manipulates cellular processes to enhance its replication and cause neurotoxicity. They study a specific mechanism known as ribosomal frameshifting, which is crucial for producing proteins that support the virus. By investigating how HIV-1 influences modifications of cellular components, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for treating HIV-1 infection and preventing associated cognitive disorders.