Research

The Kolls Lab

Strategies for Treatment of Respiratory Diseases

The laboratory of Jay Kolls, MD, is conducting investigations into new strategies for the treatment of pneumonia, asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary disease in children with cystic fibrosis. It is part of the Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research.

The major goal of the Kolls lab is to conduct research to investigate mechanisms of lung host defenses in normal and immunocompromised hosts. By understanding normal host defense mechanisms and how they may be compromised in disease, this knowledge may be exploited for improved treatment or prevention of lung infections.

Presently our research focuses on Pneumocystis, Th17 cells, and the role of vitamin D in respiratory disease. By better understanding the body’s natural defenses against Pneumocystis and the role of T cells we hope to develop new therapies, including a potential vaccine. Through our studies of Th17 cells we hope to better understand the role of these cells in a variety of diseases and potentially develop new strategies for treatment or vaccination.

Dr. Kolls also holds three R01 awards, an R37 MERIT award, and is a project leader on several center grants.

Last Update
September 10, 2012