Research Summary
Dr. Malik’s laboratory investigates the critical role of mucosal immunity in maintaining host homeostasis and disease prevention. We focus on understanding how immune responses at mucosal surfaces discriminate between pathogens, beneficial commensals, and environmental antigens, and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to inflammatory bowel diseases and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Our research program integrates immunology, genetic engineering, microbiology, and bioinformatics to identify key mediators governing mucosal inflammation, immune tolerance, and cancer development. Through both basic and translational approaches, we aim to define the cellular and molecular pathways underlying human gastrointestinal disease pathogenesis.
Current research directions include elucidating the mechanisms that maintain intestinal immune homeostasis, characterizing the breakdown of tolerance in inflammatory diseases, and identifying how chronic inflammation promotes carcinogenesis. By advancing our understanding of these fundamental immune processes, our work seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets for treating gastrointestinal diseases and improving patient outcomes.
CGIBD Focus Area(s): Host response, Immunology
Collaborators: Arthur, Sheikh
