Dr. Miller is a pulmonary immunologist with expertise in cell and molecular biology. A primary focus of Dr. Miller's research is the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms for immune cell trafficking within the lung. A major objective is to determine the role of lung microenvironments in the recruitment and function of specific immune cell populations during an inflammatory response. Central to these investigations are identification of pulmonary chemokines that are involved in leukocyte trafficking. Another key interest is the study of unique T lymphocyte populations within the airways. For the past 5 years, Dr. Miller has expanded this research program to define the establishment of mucosal and systemic immunity during infancy, and how perturbation of the environment can alter pulmonary immune responses later in life, primarily in the context of airborne pollutant exposure and allergy. Experimental approaches within this laboratory are interdisciplinary and highly interactive with other investigators both on and off campus. Questions related to immune cell trafficking and function are addressed using both in vivo and in vitro cell culture models of non-human primate and mouse pulmonary inflammation. Immunological methods that are emphasized in this laboratory include flow cytometry, chemokine assays, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, cellular and molecular methods for the study of non-human primate cytokine protein and gene regulation are also used. Please contact Dr. Miller at lmiller@ucdavis.edu for further information on ongoing projects.