Research
The Mansour Lab explores host immune cells and their interaction with pathogens.
Our goals are to define innate immune responses to pathogens, specifically fungal agents. We aim to understand the critical innate mechanisms for pathogen elimination at a molecular level with a focus on neutrophils.
We also realize that proper profiling and identification of those patients who are at the highest risk is important. The Mansour lab also has several patient-oriented research programs looking at predictive modeling to assess risk of fungal infection as well as the application of biomarkers to guide antimicrobial use in patients with pneumonia.
Finally, we are keen on designing novel therapeutic interventions to address life threatening infections. These investigations provide the foundation for the development of cellular therapies for infectious diseases as well as improved vaccine strategies.
Funding
Research Image Gallery
- Neutrophils incubated with C. albicans hyphae
- Electron microscopy used to visualize neutrophil extracellular traps
- Images show NETs comparing wild type Cas9-expressing and Syk-deficient neutrophils
- Matured, resting GFP-expressing neutrophils incubated with PMA for several hours
- DNA visualized with Hoescht 33342
- Microscopy images show activated neutrophils undergoing NET formation
