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Research Areas

COVID-19 Mechanisms and Therapeutics


We are studying differences in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 that may determine those that have varying degrees of outcomes both acutely and in the post-acute period.

Dysbiosis and Post-Influenza MRSA Infection


We are testing the hypothesis that antibiotic treatment during influenza infection causes gut dysbiosis that can affect lung immunity and increase the susceptibility to post-influenza MRSA infection.

Syndecan-1 and Influenza Infection


We are studying fundamental mechanisms by which syndecan-1 moderates lung inflammation after influenza infection. This research is determining how syndecan-1 regulates the airway epithelial response to influenza infection and limits lung injury through moderation of apoptosis.

Syndecan-1 and Lung Fibrosis


We have found that syndecan-1 is upregulated by the epithelium in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is a pro-fibrotic signal. Our work identified that syndecan-1 controls antifibrotic microRNA loading into extracellular vesicle in mediating this effect.

Dynactin-4 Polymorphisms and Pseudomonas Colonization in Cystic Fibrosis


This study is a multicenter collaboration with the Bamshad group at the University of Washington and the Schroer group at Johns Hopkins University. The Bamshad group identified two coding missense polymorphisms in dynactin 4 that are highly associated with pseudomonas colonization in cystic fibrosis patients. Working with Trina Schroer, who has studied dynactin for over 15 years, we are using samples from the Bamshad patient cohort as well as cell lines to understand how these polymorphisms regulate the lung innate immune response to pseudomonas infection.

Contact the Chen Lab

127 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Pavilion, A-9404
Los Angeles, CA 90048