Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine

Assistant Professor of Biology, Indiana State University

Research Assistant Professor of Applied Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

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Research in my laboratory examines both fungal and host factors that mediate lung immune responses to species of the filamentous fungal genus Aspergillus. These species are associated with allergic sensitization and exacerbation of asthma, and some may cause invasive disease in immune deficient individuals. We have developed a mouse model of repeated aspiration of Aspergillus conidia to examine airway immune responses and protection from infection in otherwise healthy animals. Data generated with this model suggests that airway immune responses are species and isolate-specific. Some of these differences, such as the ability to recruit IFN-γ-producing CD8⁺ T-cells to the airway in response to A. fumigatus, but not A. versicolor, are partially dependent on the ability of aspirated conidia to germinate within lung tissue. The role of CD8⁺ T cells in protection from A. fumigatus infection is being explored. In addition, the role of A. fumigatus virulence genes in generating isolate and species-specific airway immune responses is also being examined. In addition to fungal factors, the role of immune development and host-specific factors in promoting airway immunity are also of interest, including the contribution of gut commensal bacteria in shaping immune responses in distal sites. To accomplish our goals, we employ a variety of techniques such as flow cytometry, light and fluorescence microscopy of lung tissues, and in vitro and ex vivo cellular assays.