My research group at UCLA is developing a novel dimension to the study of host-pathogen interactions, which traditionally studies how pathogens subvert cellular processes, or how host immune effector functions inactivate pathogens. We instead study how organellar function and metabolism are rewired to respond to and defend cells and organisms against pathogens. We use the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model pathogen because, unlike for other microbes, we now know the factors that mediate contact and communication between host mitochondria and Toxoplasma. Our previous work has challenged the mainstream thinking of mitochondria as being hijacked by pathogens to organelles that orchestrate defense responses against pathogens. Our ongoing and future work has the potential to change our fundamental understanding of cell biology and could revolutionize how we treat infectious diseases.
Awards and Achievements
- Freeman Hrabowski Scholar