
The Hale laboratory employs techniques of cellular and molecular biology to study mechanisms responsible for the generation of both normal immune responses and immune-mediated diseases. Research in the laboratory is mainly focused on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an immune-mediated disorder that is hypothesized to result from the abnormal immune response of a genetically susceptible host to the antigens derived from enteric bacteria. Development of optimal treatments for disease requires a detailed understanding of mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Thus current work in the laboratory is aimed at understanding triggers of intestinal inflammation and mechanisms of inflammation-associated neoplasia, in addition to developing novel therapies for IBD treatment. Ongoing research also includes investigating mechanisms that determine the immunogenicity of oral antigens, to develop novel adjuvants for oral vaccines. This work has relevance for pathogenesis and treatment of infectious diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for inflammatory bowel disease.
Dr. Hale is an expert in pathologic evaluation of colitis and immunodeficiency in both humans and mice and is board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.
Education and Training
- Michigan State University, B.S. 1980
- Rutgers University, M.S. 1984
- Duke University, Ph.D. 1990
- Duke University, M.D. 1991
- Duke University, Resident, Anatomic & Clinical Pathology, Pathology
Selected Grants and Awards
- APCs and environmental cues for inflammation-linked Th17 immunity
- Human Thymus Core (Core C)
- Core D: Human Translation and Verification
- Regulation of T cell metabolism and function by IRGM proteins
- Organization and Function of Cellular Structure
- Enzyvant Monkey Study
- Evaluating a Novel Therapy for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- Mechanisms Underlying Colorectal Cancer Risk in IBD (PQ6)
- RERF year 7 funding
- Glucose uptake and metabolism in lymphocyte fate and inflammatory bowel disease
- Chemoprevention of IBD-Associated Colon Cancer
- Mast Cells and IBD Pathogenesis
- Novel Oral Adjuvant for Dental Vaccines
- Bromelain Proteinase Activity in IBD
- Bromelain-Based Biological Therapy for IBD
- Parathyroid and Thymus Transplants in DiGeorge Syndrome
- Genetics of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
- Same
- Thymic Transplantation in Complete DiGeorge Syndrome
- Mechanisms of Age-Related Thymic Involution
- Viral Control And Immune Reconstitution In Hiv Infection
- Viral Control & Immune Reconstitution In Hiv Infection
- Mechanisms And Therapy Of Primary Immunodeficiency
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Core Support Grant
- Spore In Breast Cancer
- Cd44 Isoforms And Human Breast Cancer Metastasis
- Cd44 Isoforms And Human Breast Cancer Metastasis