The Mikacenic Lab studies how the immune system responds to lung injury and how those responses contribute to inflammation, tissue repair and fibrosis. Researchers investigate both acute illnesses, such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and chronic lung diseases, including interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
Using clinical samples from the lungs and blood, the lab applies advanced immune profiling technologies to better understand how immune cells communicate during disease. Researchers analyze bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissue, and blood samples from people with acute and chronic lung diseases to identify the immune pathways that drive disease progression or promote recovery.
Current research focuses on lung macrophages, their interactions with T cells, and the immune pathways that shape tissue repair following lung injury. The lab also applies systems immunology approaches to study respiratory viral infections, particularly in people living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Carmen Mikacenic, MD
Lab Members
Holly Akilesh, PhD
Anne Chaize
Sarah Holton, MD, PhD
Cecilia Lopez Martinez, PhD
Yize Smith-Rockne
Past Lab Members
Eric Morrell, MD
Visiting Scientist
Current Affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
Research Projects
Macrophage Diversity in Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis
The Mikacenic Lab studies how different populations of lung macrophages contribute to inflammation, tissue repair, and fibrosis.
Immune Responses to Respiratory Viral Infections in Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Mikacenic Lab studies why respiratory viral infections affect people with rheumatoid arthritis differently than healthy adults.
Immune Checkpoint Signaling in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
The Mikacenic Lab studies how immune checkpoint signaling influences inflammation and recovery in acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Featured Publications
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein IgA is associated with worse disease severity in critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia patients
Front Immunol
TiNKering around with B7H6 ligand may alter lung transplant outcomes
Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol
Neutrophils have altered response to acute respiratory viral infection in sputum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob
Heterogeneous Causes of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Correlate With Distinct Peripheral Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolites
FASEB J
Immunology of Sepsis
Clin Chest Med
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News
BRI Visiting Scientist Receives Distinguished UW Medicine Award
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Carmen Mikacenic, MD, ATSF Awarded Mid-Career Award
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