Our Research

Our lab investigates the fundamental principles by which the immune system senses, integrates, and resolves microbial and tissue-derived signals. We are particularly interested in the molecular and cellular pathways that determine how immune responses are initiated, modulated, and ultimately resolved to maintain tissue homeostasis.

1) Host–microbe interactions. We study the basic mechanisms by which the host immune system interfaces with both the commensal microbiota and invading pathogens. By probing how microbial signals are detected and interpreted, we seek to uncover generalizable principles of immune regulation that distinguish beneficial symbiosis from detrimental infection.

2) Cytosolic immune receptors and cell death pathways. A central focus of our work is to define how intracellular pattern recognition receptors detect danger-associated molecules and engage downstream signaling networks. We investigate the molecular coupling between receptor activation and programmed cell death pathways that serve as fundamental processes for regulating cellular fate and intercellular communication.

3) Efferocytosis and inflammation resolution. We examine the core cellular and molecular mechanisms by which dying cells are recognized and cleared by phagocytes, and how this process shapes immune signaling. By studying how efferocytosis reprograms immune cells at the metabolic, transcriptional and epigenetic levels, we aim to uncover basic biological rules that govern the resolution or persistence of inflammation.

These complementary research directions converge on a central goal: to define fundamental, mechanistic insights into immune recognition, cell death, and resolution of inflammation. By integrating approaches in immunology, microbiology, and cell biology, our lab aims to generate knowledge that informs the development of novel strategies to combat a wide range of human diseases.