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Laura F. Su, M.D., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of T cell pathology in human disease states, particularly in autoimmune conditions and chronic infections. The Su lab emphasizes the study of how T cells engage with microbial antigens and how homeostatic mechanisms influence the programming of inflammatory and tolerogenic T cell responses. Su’s work is motivated by the overarching goal of discovering intrinsic and external factors that modulate immune responses, which is essential for preventing disease and mitigating pathological responses. The lab investigates autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. Additionally, their research addresses the challenges posed by chronic infections, notably HIV, by examining the interactions between T cells and B cells in the lymph nodes of infected individuals. Su's exploration of TCR cross-reactivity and the implications of a diverse microbial environment on immune system functionality further underscores the lab’s expertise in human immunology. Students interested in human immunology and microbial-host interactions are encouraged to reach out for potential rotation projects.
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