The primary focus of my laboratory is to understand alterations in the immune system (natural killer cells, T cells, dendritic cells and macrophage) of smokers and COPD patients and how these alterations in immunity affect susceptibility to exacerbations. We utilize a mouse model of long-term cigarette smoke exposure, and we have an ongoing study using low-dose secondhand smoke exposure. We routinely perform immune-cell isolations, flow cytometry, cell cytotoxicity assays and adoptive transfer studies in immunodeficient mice. We have developed unique transgenic mouse models, reporter-cell lines and antibodies as part of our research. I provide training to graduate and undergraduate students, Internal Medicine residents and Pulmonary/Critical Care fellows.

We have specifically examined the effects of smoke exposure on the host response to influenza, RSV, and bacterial infections. As Director of the Inhalation Exposure Facility at the University of Cincinnati, my lab has conducted mouse exposures for investigators at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the Cincinnati Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Ohio State University, University of Colorado, National Jewish Hospital and University of Pennsylvania.

Recent trainee output:

Andrew Osterburg: Role of Immune cells in progression of COPD, LAM and PLCH
Danielle Stiene: Natural Killer Cell function in LA

Recent fellow alumnus: Timothy Hwalek, MD (PCCM graduate, Class of 2020)

Potential research projects for pulmonary fellows (one week of training provided):  

1. Biomarkers of Lung Function Decline in LAM.  Fellows would be in the laboratory and perform ELISA assays on serum from LAM patients. 

2. Natural Killer Cell Function in LAM.  Fellows would be in the laboratory and perform cell culture and immunostaining of TSC deficient cells. 

3. Biomarkers of Natural Killer Cell Function in COPD. Fellows would be in the laboratory and perform ELISA assays on serum from COPD patients.