Bruce Walcheck, PhD

My lab studies various aspects of leukocyte biology and innate immunity. Our focus includes neutrophils, typically the first leukocyte population to be recruited to sites of bacterial infection, and natural killer (NK) cells, which play a key role in killing virus-infected cells and cancer cells. The cell surface expression levels of many receptors important for the function of these leukocyte populations are regulated by a process referred to as ectodomain shedding. We are interested in manipulating this process to improve leukocyte function during disease.

Our research is focused on the cell and molecular biology of leukocytes in the context of inflammation and the host response to cancer.

Cell adhesion: leukocyte migration
Our research group is examining various aspects of inflammation regulation. We are interested in the mechanisms that direct leukocytes to sites of inflammation and that regulate their effector activities. A key leukocyte involved in the early inflammatory response is the neutrophil, which is the most abundant leukocyte in the blood and at sites of acute inflammation. Various inflammatory modulators expressed by neutrophils are regulated by a process referred to as ectodomain shedding. Among other lines of research, my lab is actively involved in understanding the function and regulation of this proteolytic process in order to manipulate inflammation and bolster innate immunity or diminish damaging inflammation.

Dr. Walcheck, PubMed