We aim to elucidate the role of the innate immune system in damage and repair following ischemic and hemorrhagic insults to the brain. We are specifically focused on innate immune drivers of secondary injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and the immune response triggered by acute intracranial pressure spikes during aneurysm rupture. We also look into promoting recovery after ischemic stroke by reprogramming microglia and peripheral myeloid cells to drive repair. In addition, we are pursuing the development of therapeutics for intraarterial immunomodulation for chronic subdural hemorrhage.

Our research is driven by a desire to understand how these microscopic machines both replicate themselves and, at the same time, manage to evade, manipulate, and counter a myriad of host defenses. 

The Sandstrom Lab works to identify the fundamental molecular mechanisms through which the immune system can recognize pathogens and stress. 

The Schoggins Lab studies innate immunity at the virus-host interface. We are interested in mechanisms of cellular antiviral defense and the role these responses play during viral disease.

Our focus is on gaining a greater understanding of how bacteria on the skin surface affect skin health and diseases.

The Moreland and Potera Labs utilize basic science approaches, in vivo models, and clinical studies to investigate cellular functions of the innate immune system.

The Yan Lab studies molecular mechanisms of innate immunity in infection, autoimmune diseases, cancer immunology and neurodegenative diseases.

The Zhang lab studies intra- and inter-molecular interactions to understand how signaling proteins are regulated, using biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM and cell biology.