Heung Lab
The Heung Laboratory studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the immune system regulates host responses to respiratory fungal pathogens. Currently, the lab is investigating the role of inflammatory monocytes and DAP12-mediated signaling pathways in the pulmonary immune response to Cryptococcus species, environmental fungi that cause lung and central nervous system infections in immuno-compromised and immuno-competent patients. The goal of Dr. Heung's research is to understand how host immunity can be manipulated to improve the outcomes of cryptococcosis and other respiratory infections.
The Heung Laboratory is affiliated with the Department of Medicine, the Women's Guild Lung Institute Research and the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai.
Personal Statement
Lena Heung, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai. As a physician-scientist, she investigates clinical questions using basic science and translational approaches. She has a diverse research background in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, host-pathogen interactions, fungal virulence and pathogenesis, and immunology.
Lena Heung, MD, PhD
Breakthrough Research Areas
- Inflammatory monocyte plasticity during fungal infections
- Molecular mechanisms of fungal sensing by the innate immune system
- Host-fungal interactions and manipulation of the immune response
Meet Our Team
Learn more about the scientists, faculty members, investigators and other healthcare professionals of the Heung Laboratory.
Publications
Learn more about the recent research publications from the Heung Lab.
Contact the Heung Lab
Pavilion, Room A9103
127 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048