Philana Ling Lin, MD, MSc

Our lab is focused on the host protective immune responses to M. tuberculosis, a major factor in outcome of infection. We are also interested in the interaction between SIV-Mtb co-infection, especially in the context of the global epidemic. We are able to simulate both M. tuberculosis infection and SIV-Mtb co-infection in animal models and follow disease progression using in vivo PET-CT imaging. Our current studies involve identifying immunologic causes and bacterial sources of reactivation TB and relapse after treatment.

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Tuberculosis-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS)

IRIS is a rare, but severe, outcome following initiation of antiretroviral therapy in cases of HIV/Mtb co-infections. Following reconstitution of the immune system, there is an extreme inflammatory response that exacerbates TB disease. We are investigating the underlying causes and immune mechanisms of TB-IRIS, which are still not well understood.

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HIV and Mtb Reservoirs

HIV and Mtb are both capable of evading our immune system and persisting for long periods of time before emerging to cause active disease at a later time. Our lab uses NHP models of Mtb and HIV infection to study the formation of disease reservoirs. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) serves as an effective and informative model that resembles HIV pathogenesis. 

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Vaccination Platforms against Mtb infection

The BCG vaccine against TB remains the gold standard despite shortcomings in duration of protection and efficacy against pulmonary disease. We are studying several vaccine platforms against Mtb infection with the goal of elucidating critical immune responses to target with future candidates.