Allergy and Autoimmunity

Research Interests: The Link Laboratory studies how nutrition, the microbiome, and genetic diversity shape the immune system in both health and chronic inflammatory disease. Using a combination of mouse models and human patient samples, we investigate how these factors influence immune function at multiple levels starting from the overall immune responses all the way to exploring the underlying transcriptional and epigenetic programs. To achieve this, we integrate advanced bulk and single-cell multi-omics approaches with cutting-edge computational analyses.

Dr. Hurrell’s lab explores the dynamic interplay between nutrition, metabolism, and immune regulation, focusing on how specific nutrients and metabolic pathways influence the development and function of immune cells in both health and disease, particularly asthma and allergy. Utilizing a variety of cutting-edge mouse models, including genetically engineered strains, specialized diets and established asthma models, his team investigates the impact of dietary factors on immune responses and asthma pathogenesis. By applying techniques such as flow cytometry, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to profile immune cell populations and their metabolic states, the lab aims to identify innovative dietary strategies that can modulate immune function and improve lung health.