Research

Pathogenic microorganisms cause a plethora of diseases with important medical, agricultural, and socio-economic consequences. Today, infectious and cardiovascular diseases remain the number one causes of deaths worldwide (about 17% each). Moreover, diseases of unknown etiology are beingrecognized as having infectious origins.
Traditionally, the study of microbes has provided new insights into fundamental processes such as cellular and organismal function. Understanding infectious diseases requires understanding of both the pathogen and the host, and their interactions, which continues to be a serious scientific challenge, one of unparalleled complexity.
Recent developments in technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and imaging (e.g., single cells in whole organisms) allow deeper understanding of complex biological systems and processes. Using such technologies, our mission is to:

1. Identify host genes/proteins that are essential for control of pathogens;
   
2. Image pathogen host interaction at the level of the cell, the organ, and the organism;
3. Unravel mechanisms of immune defense and infectious diseases in animal models;
4. Describe mechanisms of inflammation;
5. Establish novel treatment and vaccination strategies.