University of Maryland, Baltimore · Microbiology & ImmunologyThe Intestinal Pathogen Lab
James B Kaper · Baltimore, Maryland
Research Focus
Dr. James B. Kaper's lab at the University of Maryland Baltimore focuses on understanding how certain strains of E. coli and Shigella bacteria cause diarrhea. Using advanced models that mimic the human intestine, the lab studies the interactions between these pathogens and the immune system. By creating mini-intestines and incorporating immune cells, they aim to unravel the mechanisms of infection and explore potential treatments and vaccines.
E. coliShigelladiarrheal diseasesenteroidsmucosal immunology
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the pathophysiology of E. coli and Shigella infections
AIM 02Develop and use advanced human enteroid models
AIM 03Examine immune cell interactions with enteric pathogens
AIM 04Characterize potential vaccine strains
AIM 05Identify therapeutic targets to treat diarrheal diseases
Skills the Lab Values
cell culture3D co-culture techniquesmicrobial pathogenesisimmune cell isolationflow cytometry
Output against the department
Publications438top 7% of dept.34th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations57ktop 3% of dept.15th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.