Chu Laboratory

The goal of our lab research is to perform basic and translational research to understand the mechanisms of airway diseases, and discover new therapeutic targets. Our major research interests include the role of respiratory pathogens (viruses and bacteria) in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. We use human biological samples, cell culture and animal models coupled with cutting-edge technologies (e.g. conditional gene knockout, CRISPR/Cas9, single cell RNA-sequencing) to determine host-pathogen interactions, and the mechanisms by which infections reshape the innate immune system and contribute to asthma and COPD pathobiology.

Current Projects 

• Airway innate immunity in host defense against pathogens
• Genetic variation in innate immunity and asthma
• Mitochondrial dysfunction in airway diseases
• Impact of tobacco smoke and electronic cigarettes on lung immunity