Haibo Zhang

My major research interests relate to lung infection and immunity and sepsis. Specifically, my lab is working on: 1. Human neutrophil peptides in host defense and lung injury: To examine the molecular mechanisms by which human neutrophil peptides impair phagocytic function and inflammatory responses in human cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases, and develop therapeutic approaches targeting the mechanisms of action of human neutrophil peptides. 2. Novel LPS receptor: To identify alternative LPS receptors in lung cells and alveolar macrophages independent of TLR4. 3. Cytokine and bacterial interaction: To examine the mechanisms by which cytokines kill and promote bacterial proliferation. My laboratory uses a number of model systems including in vitro primary human and murine cells and transformed human and murine cell lines, ex vivo lung explants and various animal models. 4. I have been involved in clinical trials related to biomarkers of inflammation.