Life expectancy in the Western Civilization is the highest it has ever been, due to the introduction of better hygiene practices and sophisticated medical interventions for cancer and autoimmunity. With these modern medical advances, a rise in the prevalence of infections has been observed, which present a particular clinical challenge due to the lack of vaccines, limited rapid diagnostics, and increasing drug resistance of pathogens.

Understanding basic concepts of immunity, pathogenicity, and drug resistance lays the foundation for the development of novel therapies in the future. Our UCLA-affiliated research teams focus on these different disciplines to improve patient outcomes. This work includes investigating the mechanisms by which pathogens invade and damage host cells, how our immune system senses and responds to infection, as well as how we can overcome drug-resistance.

We have pioneered our understanding of aspergillosis, candidiasis, mucormycosis, and multi-drug resistant bacteremia. To this end, our team utilizes in vitro cell culture systems and clinically relevant mouse models of infection, and a variety of biological, immunological, and imaging approaches.

Our Basic Science focus includes, but is not limited to:

• Host-pathogen interactions
• Immunology and host defense
• Vaccine development
• Outcome studies in clinical infectious diseases
• Clinical studies in patients with HIV/AIDS