Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s most deadly infections. Mtb disrupts anti-microbial pathways of macrophages, cells that normally kill bacteria. Mtb establishes persistent infection despite inducing robust antigen specific T cell responses. How Mtb undermines these host immune functions is the focus of our work. We are identifying and characterizing host-pathogen interactions that provide mechanistic insight into how Mtb alters cellular trafficking, antigen presentation, and cytokine responses of macrophages and dendritic cells. In studying the molecular mechanisms by which Mtb sabotages cellular functions, we hope to better understand host immunity and bacterial pathogenesis.

• Lab Website

I am committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within my laboratory and the Infectious Diseases Division. We celebrate the many dimensions of diversity in our community that include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, ability, religion, and socioeconomic background.

You can find the full Infectious Diseases Division Statement here:
https://infectiousdiseases.wustl.edu/about-us/diversity-inclusion/