Lin Lab

Tuberculosis (TB) is now the leading cause of death from an infectious disease as it accounts for nearly 2 million deaths worldwide. The Lin Lab focuses on the immune factors that control Mycobacterium tuberculosis  (Mtb) infection to improve vaccine and treatment efforts. 

The lab is also interested in the interaction between HIV-TB co-infection, especially in the context of both global epidemics. Using an animal model, we are able to simulate both  M. tuberculosis  infection and SIV-Mtb co-infection in animal models and follow disease progression using in vivo PET-CT imaging. Our current studies involve identifying immunologic causes and bacterial sources of reactivation TB and relapse after treatment. We are also understanding the impact of anti-retroviral treatment during SIV infection and its influence on the outcomes of Mtb infection. 

Affiliated Faculty and Staff

• Philana Ling Lin, MD, MSc - Principal Investigator
• Collin Diedrich, PhD - Postdoctoral Researcher
• Tara Rutledge - Lab manager & Lab Technician
• Tonilynn Baranowski - Lab Technician
• Paul Karell - Undergraduate Student