McIlwain Lab

Mission

Research in the McIlwain Lab focuses on mapping host immune responses to microbial infections using cutting-edge single-cell, spatial, and multi-omic technologies. The lab aims to uncover mechanisms of pathogenesis and anti-pathogen defense to inform vaccine design, therapeutic development, and global health preparedness.

Key areas of focus

  • Global Health and Emerging Infectious Diseases - Investigating immune responses to high-impact pathogens such as Ebolavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza.
  • Translational Immunology - Bridging immune profiles across animal models and human studies to support therapeutic development and regulatory decision-making.
  • Vaccine Immunology - Identifying cellular and molecular correlates of protection to enhance vaccine efficacy.
  • Biomarker Discovery - Characterizing immune signatures predictive of disease severity, outcomes, and treatment responses.

Lab team

  • David McIlwain, Ph.D.: Principal Investigator
  • Cameron Meikle: Staff Research Associate 2
  • Mikayla Lanasa: Staff Research Associate 2
  • Sreyashi Paul: Ph.D. Graduate Teaching Assistant
  • Pham Bao Tran Huynh: Graduate Research Assistant
  • Logan Bauerle: Graduate Research Assistant
  • Ryan Lockhart: Undergraduate Student

Notable research findings

  • Identified immune cell correlates of protection for an oral vaccine candidate during a controlled human H1N1 influenza virus challenge study.
  • Bridged immune profiling across species by comparing humans and non-human primates during acute Ebolavirus infection using systems immunology.
  • Defined blood-based immune signatures linked to COVID-19 severity, providing insight into disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Research Publications

Equipment, technology and techniques

  • CyTOF
  • B-TOF
  • CODEX

Active grants and research projects

  1. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Coronavirus Infections in Animal Models.
    • Award: 75F40120C00176 (Subcontract from Stanford University)
    • Funding organization: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Stanford University