Potential for Collaboration

Biochemists, Chemists, and Epidemiologists

Significant gaps exist in understanding the mechanism of action of many pollutants, pharmacological agents, and novel therapies. We are interested in collaborating on projects that seek to better understand mechanisms of action of novel investigational drugs and understudied pollutants.  We believe these partnerships will not only improve our own research, but will contribute to the overall mission of improving human health and reducing disease.

Pharmacologists and Clinicians

Naturally derived compounds, such as in foods we eat or from the microbiome, as well as certain pharmaceuticals, act through the AHR to modify immune responses. This discovery means that it may be possible to develop more effective and less toxic immunotherapies to help fight infections, or to treat allergic and autoimmune diseases. However, relevant models and studies must be completed to understand their mechanism of action, in order to ensure the greatest pharmacological benefit is obtained.  We welcome partnership with pharmacologists and clinicians to the enhance and improve the development of potential immune treatments that harness the AHR to prevent or treat diseases and disorders.

Toxicologists and Environmental Health Scientists

Immunotoxicology is a sub-discipline of toxicology that determines how occupational, environmental or therapeutic exposures to chemical and biological agents affect the development and function of the immune system. Immunotoxicity can manifest in enhanced or depressed functions, which can contribute to a range of diseases and disorders, including adverse drug reactions, side effects of medicines, as well as enhanced risk or severity allergic and autoimmune diseases, poorer defenses against pathogens, and reduced ability to fight cancer. We welcome collaboration with toxicologists and environmental health researchers who wish to examine immunotoxicological effects of exposures.