My research interests focus on understanding: 1) how the Bcl-2 family proteins regulate epithelial and mucous cell numbers in the airways in response to insults; 2) the mechanisms of how viral infections of the respiratory tract exacerbate cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation; and 3) the role of host cell proteins in promoting influenza A virus replication and disease severity in humans. My current research program focuses on understanding how IAVs exploits host cellular proteins to promote their pathogenesis, identify genetic factors contributing to influenza disease severity, and identify host cellular targets of treatments. Our research utilizes both basic and translational models of infectious/inflammatory lung diseases. We also use influenza-infected human cohorts from diverse ancestral background to identify genetic factors contributing to disease severity. These studies may identify host cellular therapeutic targets and will have potential implications for targeted prevention, disease management, and treatment based on susceptibility factors.