Maintaining homeostasis at mucosal surfaces is a complex affair. These interfaces have to provide protection and tolerance at the same time. With an epithelial lining that is only a single cell thick (unlike the hardy skin) protecting the underlying mucosa, the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract faces unique challenges. It has to co-exist with trillions of bacteria (unlike the sterile lung) called commensals (good bacteria) and yet provide protection against opportunistic enteropathogens (Enteropathogenic E. coli, Clostridium difficile, Salmonella and Campylobacter species). In addition to dealing with the microbial world, the GI mucosal immune system is central to aiding tolerance to food antigens. If not, immune-mediated (e.g. Celiac disease, Food allergy) or non-immune mediated inflammation may ensue.

The central hypothesis of our research is that GI health is maintained via appropriate cross-talk between the GI mucosal immune system (host genetics) and its luminal contents (microbiota/pathogens/food antigens). Our laboratory is focused on identifying both exogenous (microbial/food allergens) and host components that are involved in this interplay.  A better understanding of these multifaceted interactions holds the key for unlocking cellular events responsible for a variety of GI inflammatory conditions. 

Current areas of research include:

(a) Understanding Clostridium difficile-mediated antibiotic associated diarrhoea and related complications, which currently represent a significant health burden in the developed world.

(b) Understanding Campylobacter jejuni (a commensal of chicken gut)-mediated disease pathogenesis. Currently, this bacterium is the major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide.

(c) How do enteropathogens manipulate major host cellular processes (in particular the inflammasome and the autophagy machinery) leading to successful immune evasion.

(d) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) disease pathogenesis

(e) Identify potential biomarkers for gut allergic diseases.