The Klemen Strle Lab

Our Research

Our laboratory conducts translational research in human immunology with a focus on Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis. The work is centered on elucidating mechanisms that lead to protective or pathogenic immune responses and how such responses shape the clinical course and outcome of the disease in patients. In addition, we are determining how host and microbial (Borrelia burgdorferi) genetic factors modulate these responses. For this purpose, we are using the latest system-wide genomic and transcriptomic approaches in clinical samples, coupled with functional studies in cells and tissue, and then correlating this information with well-defined clinical information in patients. The goals of this work are to improve the understanding of disease pathogenesis, to develop novel diagnostic assays for early identification of patients at greater risk for severe disease, and to help guide more rational and effective treatment strategies for such patients. This work involves a multi-center, highly matrixed collaboration with clinical and research investigators across the United States and Europe. We are grateful to our collaborators, without whom the work would not be possible.