Infectious Diseases

Investigating prevention methods for CA-MRSA infections in children through improved hygiene and immune response analysis our team studies the clinical and molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection, evaluates strategies for treatment and prevention, and examines mechanisms of virulence and host immune responses. With CA-MRSA posing a major source of morbidity in pediatric populations we aim to reduce its impact by identifying effective interventions that prevent infections and improve outcomes.

Research profile

Investigating microbial interactions in the female urogenital tract to improve women’s health, our lab explores how host-microbe and microbe-microbe dynamics influence vaginal health and pregnancy outcomes. With bacterial vaginosis affecting nearly 30% of women and linked to infections, infertility and adverse birth outcomes, we employ animal models, cell culture systems and clinical specimen analysis to uncover mechanisms driving these conditions. Our goal is to translate discoveries into targeted prevention and treatment strategies that enhance health for women and their babies.

Research profile

Investigating the origins of genome instability in childhood cancers, our lab seeks to understand how DNA damage responses shape tumor development and therapeutic outcomes. Unlike adult malignancies driven by aging or environmental carcinogens, pediatric cancers arise through distinct mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Our long-term goal is to identify predictors of mutagenesis and uncover vulnerabilities within DNA damage response pathways, paving the way for innovative treatments that improve survival and quality of life for children with cancer.

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Exploring molecular pathogenesis and sex differences in pyelonephritis, our lab investigates interactions between pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and their hosts using urinary tract infections as a primary model. We aim to understand host-pathogen dynamics in the urinary tract, how uropathogenic bacteria modulate immune responses and the role of sex in UTI pathogenesis.

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Focus on understanding disease mechanisms and mitigating ongoing pandemic risks our lab characterizes novel viruses to uncover how they cause disease in humans. While viral discovery has expanded known sequences many questions about viral biology require isolation and propagation in the lab. With human populations vulnerable to emerging pathogens we aim to advance knowledge that informs preparedness for future pandemics.

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Advancing understanding of vaccine effectiveness in diverse populations, the Kao Lab focuses on evaluating how vaccines perform in special groups to inform strategies that improve protection and public health outcomes. Led by Carol M. Kao, MD, MSCI, our team combines clinical insight with rigorous research to address critical questions in immunization and ensure equitable, evidence-based care.

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Investigating actin cytoskeleton’s role in immune cell shape and motility our lab studies how dynamic changes in the actin cytoskeleton regulate immune cell movement and activation. Using models lacking the actin-binding protein L-plastin we explore its role in B cells and alveolar macrophages and employ pneumococcal infection models to uncover mechanisms that impact immune defense in children.

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Advancing care for pediatric bone and joint infections through research on treatments and outcomes, the Orscheln Lab is committed to improving clinical strategies that enhance recovery and long-term health for children. By integrating clinical expertise with innovative research, we aim to identify best practices, optimize therapies and reduce complications associated with musculoskeletal infections.

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Unlocking the mechanisms of immune regulation to combat severe inflammation and cytokine storm syndromes our lab investigates how immune responses are controlled to prevent fatal reactions. We use in vitro and in vivo approaches to identify key genes and pathways, focusing on autophagy and its role in protecting macrophages and preventing cytokine storm. Our goal is to develop host-directed therapies for infectious and inflammatory disorders.

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Fighting multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae our lab investigates the pathogenesis of this urgent CDC and WHO priority pathogen and works toward vaccine development. We study classical and hypervirulent strains using mouse models of pneumonia and urinary tract infection to understand virulence factors including capsular types, O-antigens and the fimK regulatory gene. With over 300 clinical isolates in our repository we aim to identify strategies that inhibit virulence or prevent infection through effective vaccines.

Research profile