Richard J. Bouch, Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Surgery, was awarded a pilot grant from the Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology (CHSI), for his research project titled, "Functional characterization of influenza-specific memory NK cells in the lung."
Dr. Bouch works in the lab of Keith Reeves, PhD, Professor in Surgery, investigating the anti-viral and cytotoxic function of NK cells, with a specific focus on innate-lymphoid immunobiology in chronic lung disease and acute viral infection. His proposed studies will evaluate the memory capacity and functional role of human lrNK cells against influenza by comparing their cytotoxic and antiviral roles to those of adaptive circulating NK cells.
About the CHSI Pilot Awards
This fall, the Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology for the first time called for diverse pilot projects within immunology and computational biology to award a maximum of $20,000 each in direct cost funding. Emphasis was placed on transdisciplinary partnerships in cross-cutting research areas, including Antibody Dynamics, Cellular Effector Function, Quantitative Immunology, Immunology, Inflammation, Immunotherapy, and Comparative Immunology. Eligibility extended to faculty of all ranks and post-doctoral/clinical fellows, with specific criteria outlined for each group.
Learn more about the 2024 CHSI Pilot Awards on the CHSI website.