Vector-borne Diseases
Vector-borne diseases include a wide array of parasitic, viral, and bacterial pathologies transmitted by biological vectors such as mosquitoes. Scientists at ID Labs conduct research into some of the most important vector-borne diseases in the world today, including malaria, dengue, Zika virus disease, and chikungunya. Causative vectors and emerging zoonotic diseases are studied alongside these established pathologies. Our efforts encompass:
Understanding host immune responses and disease pathogenesis of endemic and emerging pathogens
Understanding mechanisms of viral hijacking
Identification of biomarkers and therapeutics
Development of immune-based assays, animal models and preventive and treatment strategies
Malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, but progress in disease surveillance, prevention, and treatment has cut its death rate in half over the past twenty years. At ID Labs, scientists are exploring new combination therapies and prophylaxis agents, studying malarial immunopathology and host cell interactions, and identifying novel biomarkers for vaccine candidate development. Similar efforts in immunology, diagnostics, and therapeutics are underway for dengue, a neglected tropical disease.
Vector-borne disease research at ID Labs is cross-disciplinary, incorporating cell biology and immunology, biomedical engineering, and drug/therapeutic device development. Together, we are striving to make ID Labs a comprehensive, collaborative force for public health in the fight against vector-borne diseases.