The Laboratory of Bryan P. Hurley, Ph.D.
Overview
Our laboratory investigates how neutrophils are mobilized outside of circulation to combat pathogenic microorganisms that have invaded tissue compartments. Neutrophils are first responder white blood cells that rapidly exit the bloodstream, swarm around areas of damaged/infected tissue, and breach infected mucosal epithelial barriers. Neutrophil swarming is a collective behavior where the population of immune cells work together to encase large aggregates of pathogenic organisms or areas of infected tissue for a focused deployment of the neutrophil antimicrobial arsenal at the target site. It is a vital and rapid immune response that can be defective in early life or in people with compromised immunity, rendering these individuals susceptible to serious infection. Although a potent and critical defense mechanism, mobilizing neutrophils in this manner is not without risk and can be overzealous, contributing to amplified inflammation. Overall, we seek to learn how neutrophils swarm in tissue and breach mucosal surfaces with the goal of leveraging this knowledge for boosting neutrophil function in patients vulnerable to infection. Moreover, we aim to use this knowledge to quell damaging and unresolving swarms and breaches that can drive autoinflammatory disease.
Research Team
Sujatha Rajeev Thundivalappil, Ph.D.
sthundivalappil@mgh.harvard.edu
Publications
Open Positions
Please contact us if interested in learning about available positions in our laboratory.