Wendy Watford

Inflammation is necessary for efficient pathogen clearance, but inappropriate inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. The focus of the Watford lab is to gain a better understanding of immunoregulatory networks, especially at pulmonary and gastrointestinal barriers that represent major sites for pathogen entry. Current efforts are examining the pathophysiological effects of aberrant type I IFNs (T1 IFNs) on host responses. Although known for their potent anti-viral effects, T1 IFNs also regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Understanding how their dysregulation contributes to inflammatory diseases such as infection-induced hyperinflammatory states, autoimmunity and interferonopathies will facilitate therapeutic interventions.