General Research Interest
innate host responses of macrophages Research Description
Host defense against pathogens is particularly relevant to the lung and critical to survival We are currently interested in understanding the role of proteins that regulate the activation of the intracellular enzyme, caspase-1. This work is relevant to understanding how the lung and circulating mononuclear phagocytes are capable of sensing danger from pathogens and responding with robuts inflammation centered around IL-1.Transinstitutional Work
These innate immune projects are linked to the Center for Microbial Interface Biology, the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and the Comprehensive Cancer Center. We currently work with CMIB members on a project understanding the host reponse to the intracellular pathogen, Francisella tularensis, we are actively pursuing the role of the inflammasome (caspase-1 regulatory proteins) in the context of acute myeloid leukemias with members of the CCC and we have several ongoing projects that are involved in the inflammasome response to sepsis and ventilator associated pneumonia.