The Jalili Lab
The Jalili Research Group at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is focused on interrogating the host immunity, microbiome and their interface using different engineering tools in the context of infectious diseases, autoimmunity and cancer.
Monitoring and manipulating the immune-microbiota interactions:
The skin represents a dynamic and complex ecosystem, harboring and interacting with a plethora of locally-entrenched commensal microorganisms. The skin microbiota induces protective and regulatory immunity that contributes to host-microbe mutualism. The Jalili laboratory is interested in using novel, noninvasive technologies, such as microneedle skin patches, to longitudinally monitor the host immune-microbiome interface at different stages of diseases without perturbing the sampling area. We integrate multi-omics data sets, including single-cell transcriptomics, metagenomics and proteomics, to elucidate how the skin microbiome and the immune system are cross-regulated in the inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions.
Bioinspired In vitro systems for disease modeling and therapeutic discovery:
Although animal models have been used extensively to analyze host−microbiome interactions and their contributions to pathophysiology, there are limited in vitro systems available to recapitulate the complexity of the human organs and verify the host immune-microbiome interactions. Thus, new systems are required to harbor both complex immune cells and microbiota to not only better model human diseases in vitro, but also serve as platforms for vaccine and therapeutic development. Our research group integrate animal and patient-derived organoids, iPSCs, immune cells and microbiome to develop complex models, such as engineered organoids and organ-on-a-chip systems, of human tissues and recapitulate the host-microbiome interactions in vitro. We are particularly interested in establishing inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases on chip with the focus on psoriasis and dermatitis. We also model gastrointestinal immune-related diseases, with the specific focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer.
Lab Values Statement
In the Jalili Lab, we believe that diversity fuels creativity. A plurality of skills, life experiences, and perspectives provides the strongest possible basis for innovative science. We strive to create an environment in which every voice should be heard, we benefit from the inputs of lab members who are informed by their own experiences, diversity of thought and background are celebrated, and all are welcome. In our laboratory everyone should be empowered to express their identity and encouraged to contribute their talent.
Despite the progress made against acts of overt racism, sexism and other kinds of discrimination, pervasive structural inequities still remain. We strive to be at the forefront of change. We care about the mental and physical health of our lab members before the quality of their work.
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Media ReleaseOctober 29, 2024JAX researchers unveil method to map immune cell connections, predicting patient survival in cancer
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have developed a new combination of imaging and computational methods to study connections between immune cells in breast cancer and melanoma -
ArticleJuly 29, 2024MODEL-AD drives progress for Alzheimer’s research
The July issue of Alzheimer’s & Dementia spotlights progress by MODEL-AD and its work to create better models for Alzheimer’s disease research and catalyze progress in the field. -
ArticleJuly 24, 2024Researchers are closing in on a mouse model for late-onset Alzheimer’s research
Mice don’t get Alzheimer’s—and while that’s good news for mice, it’s a big problem for biomedical researchers seeking to understand the disease and test new treatments. Now, researchers at The Jackson Laboratory are working to create the first strain of mice that’s genetically susceptible to late-onset Alzheimer’s, with potentially transformative implications for dementia research. -
Research HighlightJune 05, 2024Revealing potential therapy targets for cancer
Reenergizing exhausted T cells, with help from a rare immune cell known as a basophil, can kickstart the immune system into fighting cancer.
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ArticleOctober 08, 2024Cancer research trainees advance their skills at JAX with support from the American Cancer Society
Earlier this year, The Jackson Laboratory’s NCI-designated Basic Research Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society (ACS) teamed up to have ACS-funded trainees attend advanced cancer courses at JAX, aiming to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge cancer research techniques through experiential learning. -
Media ReleaseJuly 24, 2024New analysis - targeted Alzheimer’s research and drug discovery
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory offer the first comprehensive ranking of the relative role and significance of every known gene and protein in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease in advance of the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, July 28 -
Press ReleaseJune 25, 2024Potential therapeutic role of sodium valerate in reducing binge drinking revealed
Researchers from JAX and UConn Health uncover gut-brain connection that may mediate alcohol consumption in mouse model. -
Blog PostJune 04, 2024The inner space of cancer
New methods allow researchers to figure out what happens where in tumors, with important implications for improving cancer therapies.