New Projects

How do mutations in LRRK2 contribute to gastrointestinal pathology?

We are currently using the enteric pathogen Salmonella, as well as Crohn's disease models coupled with LRRK2 mutations, to understand how oxidative stress triggers inflammation and disease in the gut.

How can immunologic responses in the periphery trigger neuroinflammation?

We are leveraging our new understanding of the Lrrk2G2019S mutation to investigate the relationship between peripheral inflammation, cell death, activation of CNS immune cells, and the onset of Parkinson's disease-associated behavioral changes.

How do nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) modulate innate immune responses to establish infection?

We are applying many of our established ex vivo and in vivo M. tuberculosis approaches to better understand how NTMs modulate innate immune responses. In addition, we are using Collaborative Cross (CC) mice to identify a better mouse model for NTMs.