Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections

The Immunobiology of Infections Laboratory's research interest is to understand the innate and adaptive mechanisms generated in the immune response to various pathogens. Specifically, it studies interactions between immune cells (neutrophils, NK cells, B cells, and TCR gamma delta T cells) and molecules (cytokines, membrane/intracellular receptors, and antibodies) to define their roles in protection during natural infection. The laboratory's research activities include: primary cell culture, phenotypic and functional characterization of immune cells using flow cytometry/luminex, development of cell-antibody-based assays (phagocytosis, cytotoxicity, etc.) and others. Over the years, an interaction between pathogens and the host's immune defense has developed. Thus, our immune system has evoked a variety of mechanisms to control viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, ranging from direct strategies to eliminate the pathogen to inducing the production of cytokines or antibodies ( ) orchestrating a more specific immune response to fight the infection. Based on this reasoning, understanding the immune mechanisms against infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, and others, which have a major impact on the Peruvian population, will help guide the rational design of treatment strategies or preventive vaccines for the population.