Dr. Charles Dela Cruz

Biography

Charles Dela Cruz completed his research training through an MD/PhD program, focusing on immunology and virology at the University of Toronto and Yale University. He is currently an Associate Professor at Yale University, specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Dela Cruz is the founding director of the Center for Pulmonary Infection Research and Treatment (CPIRT). His laboratory concentrates on the study of respiratory infections and their role in both acute and chronic lung diseases. The research primarily focuses on the interaction between lung infections, inflammation, and tissue repair in the lung. His work investigates novel immune regulators in lung infections and the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on the pathogenesis of airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The goal of his research is to elucidate novel therapeutic targets for respiratory diseases and to understand the interplay between cigarette smoke, respiratory virus infections, and their contribution to the progression of COPD. Under his leadership, the lab has amassed a collection of over 300 human biosamples to study immune mediators in patients infected with respiratory viruses.

Research Interests

Experience