Research directions
Current research
-Rare immune cells can have unexpected influences on lung health. Modulating their signals toward one therapeutic goal may adversely affect another. This is especially critical to understand due to the widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs by patients with allergies. We study the role of rare immune cells in balancing protection against different lung pathologies. (Collaboration with M. De Palma)
-Lung cancer is to this day the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. There is a dire need for the development of more effective therapies as lung tumors often become resistant to both conventional and targeted therapies, such as immunotherapies. We work on advancing a promising kind of cancer therapy referred to as dendritic cell (DC) vaccine. Using novel bioengineering platforms, we develop personalized DC vaccines with superior antigen presenting capacity with enhanced antitumor immunity. (Collaboration with M. De Palma)
-Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) represent breakthrough treatment options for cancer patients. However, they also cause systemic adverse events, particularly, pneumonitis. Studying changes to the immune and microbial composition of the lung in preclinical models and clinical samples, we identify therapeutic targets that mitigate these complications. (Collaboration with C. von Garnier, N. Ubags, S. Peters, M. Obeid)
-We develop artificial intelligence methods for image analysis and biomarker discovery for lung diseases. (Collaboration with M. Kozinski)
Past research
-Kourembanas lab, Boston Children’s Hospital
During Nahal's pulmonary and critical care fellowship, She conducted research at Boston Children’s Hosptial, Harvard medical school, where She investigated mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
-Casanova lab, The Rockefeller University
Between medical school and residency training in Internal Medicine, I joined the lab of Prof. Casanova, where I conducted research on immunologic pathways related to tuberculosis and genetic defects leading to disseminated mycobacterial and viral infections.
