Kopp Lab

Our Research

The Kopp Lab is dedicated to understanding how innate immunity shapes the development, progression and treatment of chronic lung diseases in children, with a primary focus on cystic fibrosis (CF) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Our work integrates immunology, microbiology, pulmonary biology and environmental health to uncover the mechanisms that drive early airway inflammation, impaired host defense and chronic infection in these vulnerable populations. Through a combination of basic, translational and clinical research, our goal is to develop innovative therapeutic strategies that enhance host immunity, improve pathogen clearance and reduce the burden of chronic respiratory disease.

A central theme of our research is the study of host–pathogen interactions in chronic lung disease. We investigate how innate immune cells, particularly macrophages and mast cells, respond to bacterial pathogens and why these responses fail in CF and SCD. Our work examines defects in innate immune signaling, autophagy, and inflammatory regulation, with the goal of identifying pathways that can be therapeutically targeted to restore effective bacterial killing and reduce hyper‑inflammatory signaling. This includes efforts to develop host‑directed therapies that augment the immune system’s ability to clear multidrug‑resistant organisms and persistent airway pathogens.

Another major focus of the lab is defining the biomarkers and molecular pathways that drive early inflammatory airway disease. By studying children at the earliest stages of CF and SCD lung involvement, we aim to identify the signals that initiate chronic inflammation long before irreversible lung damage occurs. These insights inform the development of predictive biomarkers and early‑intervention strategies that can alter disease trajectories.

Our research program also explores the role of environmental and social determinants of respiratory health, including exposure to environmental toxicants and the disproportionate burden of pollution‑related lung disease in underserved communities. These studies align with our broader commitment to health equity and our efforts to reduce disparities in pediatric pulmonary outcomes.

In addition to CF, the Kopp Lab is a national leader in studying sickle cell lung disease, including the longitudinal evolution of pulmonary complications and the immune mechanisms that contribute to acute and chronic respiratory morbidity. Our work in this area has informed the development of multidisciplinary care models and improved understanding of how hemolysis, inflammation and infection intersect in the lungs of children with SCD.

Across all research areas, the Kopp Lab is committed to rapid translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice and public health policy. We collaborate closely with clinicians, community partners and national research networks to ensure that our findings lead to meaningful improvements in care. Our team is equally dedicated to training the next generation of physician‑scientists, fostering a collaborative environment that spans bench science, clinical research and advocacy.

Together, these efforts position the Kopp Lab at the forefront of pediatric pulmonary research, advancing innovative strategies to improve respiratory health for children with CF, SCD and other chronic lung diseases.