Understand human lung responses to infections
In the earliest stages of infection, we are interested in the interactions between pathogens, epithelium, and/or supporting immune cells. We use pathogens in the BSL2 and BSL3 with airway epithelial cell lines, human lung organoids, and explants to dissect lung pathogenesis, with the goal of highlighting targetable pathways. We have a special interest in human natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. So far we have focused on SARS-CoV-2, including exploring novel entry pathways, but are expanding to other viral pathogens and fungal pathogens.
Discover new RNA biology using computational approaches
Huge amounts of sequencing data contain hidden signals, with analysis hampered in part by reliance on reference-based sequence alignment. Using reference-free computational approaches, we are analyzing new and existing sequencing datasets to find novel viruses and RNA biology.
Understand disease through patient biosamples
After studying immune profiles in COVID, we maintain an ongoing interest in peripheral immune phenotypes that correlate with severe respiratory illness.
