Powell Lab

What we do

Our research focuses on gut mucosal immunology. The gut is a hostile environment, housing trillions of resident bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi. Furthermore, there is a dynamic and ever-changing load of food antigens transiting through on a regular basis. The mucosal immune system is tasked with policing this immunologically provocative external world. The breakdown of this tightly regulated balancing act leads to chronic debilitating intestinal inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

Why it is important

By harnessing cutting edge technologies our research aims to provide novel insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating chronic intestinal inflammation. We also endeavor to look for smarter ways of predicting outcomes for our patients, including new ways of predicting which patients will respond to our available drugs.  

How it can benefit patients

These precision medicine approaches look to personalize therapies and fast track individual patients to the best drug for them at the earliest opportunity.