Innate Immunity

We have long appreciated the role that neutrophils play as first responders of the immune system during microbial infections. New evidence is emerging on the transcriptomic and phenotypic diversity of this highly abundant circulating white blood cell. In the Diaz-Ochoa lab we combine classical immunological techniques with a systems approach to gain mechanistic insights on the contributions of neutrophil diversity in host responses to bacterial infections.

Research Interests: As a cellular microbiologist, my research focuses on leveraging insights from pathogen studies to deepen our understanding of host cellular processes. My lab's primary aim is to uncover the virulence mechanisms driving Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis in wound infections, as well as the eukaryotic host responses designed to control these infections. We also utilize bacterial toxins as molecular tools to explore key mammalian cellular processes, including cell cycle regulation, cytokinesis, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and apoptotic compensatory proliferation signaling. A particular area of interest for us is the innate immune dysregulation that makes diabetic wounds susceptible to infection and impairs healing. In addition, we have identified critical innate immune pathways that recognize P. aeruginosa and investigated how this pathogen suppresses these immune responses. Additionally, we explore the use of immunomodulators to enhance innate immune responses as a strategy for combating infections at surgical sites.