TB Research Group
at the University of Pittsburgh
Center for Vaccine Research
We are a group of 6 labs that study the immunology of tuberculosis and associated infections. We collaborate with each other, other labs at the University of Pittsburgh, and experts across the country and around the world to answer key questions about the world's leading infectious killer. Our work focuses on immune mechanisms, vaccines, and medical imaging.
Pairing serial PET CT scans and genetically barcoded strains of Mtb provides unique insight into disease dynamics and progression
Microscopy of involved tissues reveals spatial distribution of cell types, cytokines, and transcription factors
Caylin's paper was published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine journal! Check it out here!
Pairing serial PET CT scans and genetically barcoded strains of Mtb provides unique insight into disease dynamics and progression
Why TB?
Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most deadly infectious disease worldwide and kills ~2 million people per year. It is estimated that 1/3 of the world's population is latently or sub-clinically infected by M. tuberculosis, and 10% of infected persons will develop active disease. This silent pandemic disproportionately affects LMIC as a result of ineffective vaccines and expensive, lengthy treatment regimens. Co-infection with HIV worsens outcomes, and TB is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.
Our research encompasses translational studies on drugs, vaccines, and immune modulation of these diseases.
Our Expertise:
Disease progression
We track infection dynamics over time, offering unique insight into the processes behind Mtb infection
HIV co-infection
HIV and TB synergistically devastate the immune system. We use SIV to study how these two infections interact.
Vaccination platforms
We are able to use various disease models to study key mechanisms of vaccine-induced protection.
PET/CT imaging
Serial PET/CT imaging throughout infections gives spatial and temporal data about structural and inflammatory processes.
Drug regimens
With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, there is an urgent need to study new compounds and combinations, and understand their impact on infection dynamics
Join Our Group!
We are actively recruiting postdocs, graduate students, and staff!
Prospective graduate students should ask about the Program in Microbiology and Immunology (PMI).
Staff needs include: laboratory technicians, medical imaging analysis, data science and management.
Reach out to:
JoAnne Flynn - joanne@pitt.edu
Chuck Scanga - scangaca@pitt.edu
Ling Lin - philana.lin@chp.edu
Josh Mattila - jmattila@pitt.edu
Patty Grace - patricia.grace@pitt.edu