Janet E. McCombs, PhD

Impact of biological sex on Klebsiella pneumoniae infection

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Working in the Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation (CTRII), Dr. McCombs is interested in defining biological sex differences in mucosal host responses to Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. Information related to the influence sex-related signaling pathways have on mediating immune responses will be used to inform ongoing work developing novel immunotherapies targeting K. pneumoniae. Using a mouse model of pneumonia and in vitro biochemical assays, work in the lab is currently focused on identifying mechanisms leading to lower susceptibility of female mice to K. pneumoniae-induced lung infections.