Pediatric Injury and Inflammation Laboratory
Infants and children demonstrate a unique inflammatory response to injury. We are dedicated to saving children’s lives by exploring the fundamental mechanisms involved in the immune response to trauma and organ injury.
Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death amongst children and young adults in the United States. Our laboratory focuses on the innate immune system response to trauma with the ultimate goal of developing new approaches and therapies to improve the care of injured children. Our over-arching hypothesis is that the mechanisms developed by the body to fight infections are critical to responding to sterile injuries. Our prior work has examined the role of pattern recognition receptors from the innate immune system in recognizing danger signals released by damaged cells. By reproducing cellular stress in vitro and in laboratory models of trauma, we hope to further our understanding of the key mediators, cells, and systems critical to the survival of a traumatic event.
Amongst premature children, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death from intestinal injury. The cause of this devastating condition is unknown and there is currently no effective targeted therapy. A massive inflammatory response results in widespread damage of the intestines with immediate life threatening consequences and long-term damage. Breast milk has been shown to reduce the risks of developing NEC. Our laboratory is focusing on key growth factors present in breast milk which might serve as new therapeutic targets.