Amal Amer, PhD

About

Biography

My research focuses on understanding the interplay between the inflammasome and autophagy pathways and host-pathogen interactions in the lung and the brain. My innovative projects tackle important questions in innate immunity, inflammasome functions, pathogenesis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. My lab studies the mechanism of bacterial and viral pathogenesis in the lung including Legionella pneumophila, Burkholderia cenocepacia, MRSA, and SARS-CoV-2. My recent work in neuro-inflammation led to the discovery that the inflammasome contributes to Alzheimer’s disease pathobiology and to SARS-CoV-2-mediated brain inflammation. These ongoing NIH-funded topics aim to understand the mechanism by which pathogens evade or exploit host immunity, to establish disease. These projects have implications for the development of new treatments that can apply to different disease conditions.

Working in my lab is an exciting opportunity for students and postdocs interested in cutting-edge research. I have trained undergraduate, graduate, MSTP students, postdoctoral, and clinical fellows for more than 18 years at OSU. My trainees acquire impeccable technical skills, develop critical thinking, and progress to their next goal. I accept trainees from Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB), Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP), Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP), and Master’s programs.

Credentials

Research