Welcome to the McCoy Laboratory

Our research focuses on the dynamic interplay between the gut microbiota and the innate and adaptive immune systems during homeostasis and inflammation

 OUR AIMS

In our lab, we aim to understand how exposure to intestinal microbes early in life educates and regulates the developing immune system, and how this impacts our susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases, such as allergy and autoimmunity, later in life. 

We also aim to increase our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways underlying the impact of the microbiome in health and disease, to enable innovative approaches to harness the microbiome in treatment and prevention.

OUR METHODS

We use germ-free and gnotobiotic animal models together with human translational studies. Dr. Kathy McCoy is the Scientific Director of the International Microbiome Centre, a 10,000-square-foot germ-free & gnotobiotic facility. There, researchers transplant specific microbiomes into germ-free animals in an environment free from bacterial or viral contaminants. Coupling animal studies with advanced imaging capacities, such as intravital microscopy, enables our researchers to investigate the interplay of the microbiome and the immune system.

Feel free to contact us if you want to learn more, or even better, join our team!