RESEARCH

The focus of our laboratory’s research is to define the mechanisms linking neuroendocrine and immune systems that determine protective and pathogenic responses associated with disease. Using several animal models, we have demonstrated the importance of stress response factors in immune regulation of airway hypersensitivity, infectious pneumonia and lung metastasis.

Current projects include testing the efficacy of nanoparticle immune-based vaccines in the prevention of cancer metastasis, defining the role of neuroendocrine stress hormones in regulating host-pathogen responses as determinants of disease. Together, we anticipate that our studies will lead to identifying novel immune-based therapies against infectious and non-infectious disease.