The Orvedahl Lab at WashU Medicine combines hypothesis-driven and discovery-based approaches to investigate the factors that regulate host immune responses to severe inflammation, whether triggered by infections or sterile events.

Our lab investigates how immune responses are regulated to prevent fatal reactions by identifying key genes and pathways, using both in vitro and in vivo methods. We found that autophagy protects macrophages from cytokine-induced cell death and prevents fatal cytokine storm syndrome in mice, with a notable link to immunometabolism. Our goal is to develop host-directed therapies for infectious and inflammatory disorders.


These posters are meant to show that racial justice and support for marginalized communities cannot be separated from the practice of science. We must actively work to recognize the obstacles that scientists (and potential scientists) from marginalized communities face, and dismantle structures of power that prevent them from succeeding. We must also consider the effects of our research and research choices on marginalized communities. Please see SammyKatta for more! Modified with images from BioRender.com

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