This research investigates how cells select which protein fragments, or peptides, to display to the immune system. Contrary to previous assumptions, peptide presentation appears highly curated rather than random. Understanding these selection rules could improve cancer immunotherapy, enhance antiviral treatments, and provide new insights into autoimmune diseases.

This research uses wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor antibodies excreted by communities, providing early insights into population vulnerability to infectious diseases. By analyzing antibody trends in wastewater over time, the work helps public health authorities identify at-risk communities, allocate resources more effectively, strengthen vaccination strategies, and improve outbreak preparedness.

This research improves combination vaccines by addressing antigen competition using injectable hydrogels that slowly release antigens. This approach produces balanced immune responses to multiple diseases, unlike traditional vaccines. The innovation could reduce the number of shots required, improve global vaccine access, and ensure more effective immunization, particularly in underserved populations.

This research investigates why blocking an early asthma “alarmin” signal often fails as a treatment. Using mouse models, it reveals that environmental differences—particularly the microbiome—can bypass this signal and still drive asthma. Understanding microbiome health may help predict treatment success and lead to more personalized, effective asthma therapies.

This research investigates Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia, where protective T cells become cancerous. The project explores how DNA methylation silences normal T-cell function and tests drugs that reverse this process. By removing harmful chemical modifications, the goal is to restore immune cells to their healthy, protective “superhero” role.

Chickenpox is usually harmless, yet the same virus can cause severe brain infections in some individuals. This research shows that a genetic variant in an immune-system gene reduces antiviral defense, allowing greater viral replication. Identifying such variants helps explain individual vulnerability to severe viral disease.

Type 1 diabetes affects millions worldwide and often begins in childhood, with no cure or prevention. This research uses early-life blood samples and single-cell immune profiling to identify genetic changes in immune cells before disease onset. The findings reveal new biomarkers that could enable early detection, targeted therapies, and future disease prevention.

This research explores how mast cells—immune cells responsible for allergy symptoms—can be repurposed to strengthen vaccines. By targeting mast cells with nasal vaccines, stronger and longer-lasting immune responses may be generated, particularly benefiting high-risk populations and improving protection against infectious diseases.

This research explores how parasitic tapeworms suppress the immune system and how their mechanisms could inspire new treatments for autoimmune diseases. As infections decline, autoimmune conditions rise. Studying rat tapeworm–derived extracellular vesicles, the lab investigates how these molecular signals reprogram inflammatory macrophages, potentially leading to novel therapies that safely regulate immune dysfunction.

This research explores how tissue-resident macrophages guide immature heart muscle cells during early development. By identifying immune signals that enable scar-free heart regeneration in newborns, the work aims to uncover therapeutic pathways that could restore regenerative capacity and improve outcomes for patients with heart disease.