Guiding Principle:
Exploring Our Microbial Selves
The central hypothesis to all of the work that goes on in the Kubinak lab is that the immune system has evolved mechanisms to shape the composition of symbiotic microbial communities to benefit host health; a process termed immunoselection. Our favorite molecules that we believe are central to this process are antibodies which are small proteins produced by B lymphocytes that bind microbial antigens. Broadly, current research in the Kubinak Lab focuses on (1) understanding how primary antibody deficiencies caused by genetic defects in genes important for B cell development influence the physiological impact of host-microbiome interactions, and (2) how genetic polymorphisms at classical MHC genes influences variability in microbiome composition among individuals, and how this in turn influences health. Please click ‘PROJECTS’ link at top of page to see an overview of specific ongoing projects. Our model organism is the mouse because it is the most extensively developed tool for studying vertebrate immunology and we utilize several different transgenic, congenic, and conditional knockout mouse strains to explore these questions.
Cover image reflecting IgA-mediated selection
From Dr. Kubinak’s postdoctoral work in Dr. June L. Round’s Lab at the University of Utah
Cover image reflecting IgA-mediated selection
From Dr. Kubinak’s postdoctoral work in Dr. June L. Round’s Lab at the University of Utah
Seeking Interested Students
We are always on the lookout for talented students that are interested in learning about immunology, host-microbiota interactions, and microbial pathogenesis. There are many opportunities at USC for undergraduates to obtain research experience in the Kubinak Lab: work study opportunities, summer internships, research credits, or even just volunteering (popular with the pre-med students for knocking the ‘lab research experience’ off their list of requirements!). However, because it takes a lot to train students, we are kinda picky and are seeking highly motivated students that really want to make an impact in the lab. All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Kubinak to discuss research opportunities in the lab through the “CONTACT” link above!