Woolsey Lab

  • UNVEIL Project: Unraveling Natural- and Vaccine-Elicited Immunity against Lassa Virus

    We are part of multi-institutional efforts to define immune correlates of protection against Lassa fever, integrating longitudinal human cohort studies from endemic regions with nonhuman primate and small animal models. We profile humoral and cellular responses, Fc-effector functions, and systems-level signatures associated with survival, reduced viral burden, and durable protection after vaccination or natural infection.

  • A microscope slide with colorful sample next to a digital display showing a microscopic view of cells with bright colors like green, blue, purple, and red.

    Organ-on-chip models in high containment

    The lab is implementing microphysiological systems, including lung, vascular, lymph node, and neurovascular unit chips, to model infection with high-consequence viruses under physiologically relevant conditions. These platforms allow us to dissect tissue-specific immune responses, barrier disruption, and therapeutic interventions using primary human cells in controlled microenvironments.

  • A colorful microscopic cross-section of a biological specimen, showing various tissue layers in purple, green, blue, and pink, against a black background.

    Spatial and single-cell biology of viral pathogenesis

    We apply spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, and single-cell multi-omics to map where and how viruses perturb local immune and stromal networks in tissues such as lung, brain, and lymphoid organs. These data reveal cell states, niches, and pathways that drive severe disease and highlight potential targets for intervention.

  • Illustration of a brain with a virus particle superimposed on it, alongside the text 'INVADE Investigating Neurotropic Virus-Induced Alzheimer's Disease Etiology'.

    Neurotropic viruses and neurodegeneration

    We are interested in how acute and persistent viral infections affect the central nervous system and may contribute to long-term neurologic and cognitive sequelae. Using in vivo models and advanced in vitro systems, we examine neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier integrity, and protein aggregation pathways that overlap with Alzheimer, Parkinson, and related disorders.

  • Sign for the NBAF, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, with logos for USDA and Homeland Security, located outdoors on a sunny day with a fence and trees in the background.

    USDA Collaboration

    The Woolsey Lab collaborates with colleagues at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (ZEDRU) on high-consequence and zoonotic viral threats that impact both human and animal health. Through these partnerships, we combine high-containment virology, immunology, and emerging in vitro platforms to study viruses that are priorities for agricultural and public health preparedness. here

  • Silhouette of a developing fetus inside the womb with umbilical cord, illuminated by a reddish glow.

    Maternal and Fetal Health

    In collaboration with Dr. Lauren Richardson’s Lab, we are developing placenta-on-a-chip models to study how BSL-4 viruses (ebolaviruses, marburgviruses, arenaviruses, paramyxoviruses) interact at the maternal–fetal interface. These microphysiological systems recreate key features of the placental barrier by co-culturing maternal and fetal cell types under controlled flow, allowing us to ask questions that are difficult to address in traditional culture or animal models.