Lauren Davey

Our lab investigates the critical role of beneficial bacteria, like Akkermansia muciniphila, in the human gut, focusing on their impact on health and disease. While these bacteria can enhance metabolic health and longevity, they may also degrade the gut’s protective mucus barrier, leading to inflammation. Using advanced genetic techniques, we engineer probiotic strains to maximize health benefits while maintaining gut safety. Our work includes developing these bacteria as probiotics for healthy aging and innovative vaccines, and exploring strategies to modulate mucus-degrading bacteria to combat graft-versus-host disease. Through a combination of genetics, animal models, and patient isolate analysis, we aim to advance microbiome-based therapeutics.