Lynn Soong, MD, PhD, Professor

Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, USA

Vice Chair for Research, Department of Microbiology & Immunology

Director, Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Program

Director, NIAID T32 Emerging and Tropical Infectious Diseases Training Program

Director, NIAID T35 Infectious Diseases and Inflammatory Disorder Training Program

Dr. Soong’s research focuses on tropical infectious diseases caused by insect‐transmitted pathogens. Using mouse and cell culture infection models, she examines how innate and adaptive immune responses against bacteria, viruses, and parasites are regulated, which host‐ and pathogen‐derived factors are responsible for disease pathogenesis, and which molecules can be incorporated into the disease control regimen. Special focus is placed on the activation and dysregulation of infected target cells (endothelial and dendritic cells, neutrophils, and macrophages), as well as on their impact on T cell responses, during acute versus chronic infection. New lines of research include host cellular signaling, tissue‐specific gene expression profiles, and genetic susceptibility variants for leishmaniasis and scrub typhus. She also collaborates with other scientists on animal models of Zika virus infection and vaccine development for viral infection.