Key Researcher
Kristina Burrack, Ph.D., earned her doctoral degree in 2014 from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in the Department of Immunology. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, in the laboratory of Stephen C. Jameson, Ph.D.
Malaria Immunology
Burrack Lab
The goal of the Burrack lab is to develop a comprehensive understanding of host-pathogen interactions in order to enhance immunity and limit immune-mediated pathology with an emphasis on investigating the pathogenesis of malaria and other pathogens of global health importance. Malaria remains a major public health problem despite substantial efforts to reduce its associated morbidity and mortality. There are still around 200 million cases and over 400,000 deaths annually, with young children and pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the greatest burden. Our laboratory seeks to improve our knowledge of the immune response to Plasmodium infection, which will inform the development of host-targeted therapeutics and vaccines to promote an effective immune response.
The Burrack lab combines translational research and animal models of Plasmodium infection to investigate the immune response to malaria. We are particularly interested in defining immunological mechanisms that promote parasite clearance without causing pathology. Specifically, we investigate interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells during Plasmodium infection, with a focus on natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. This is a highly tractable system to investigate the pathogenesis of Plasmodium infection and test immunomodulatory therapeutics against this deadly disease.
Dr. Burrack joined HHRI in 2018.
Key Researcher
Kristina Burrack, Ph.D., earned her doctoral degree in 2014 from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in the Department of Immunology. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, in the laboratory of Stephen C. Jameson, Ph.D.