The Molecular Signaling Section studies basic principles and clinical correlates of leukocyte chemoattractants and their G protein-coupled receptors. The chemoattractants under study include a large family of chemokines and a smaller group of classical chemoattractants, which together differentially regulate specific leukocyte trafficking in support of both immune homeostasis and innate and adaptive immune responses. The scope of research includes basic investigation of chemoattractant signaling and leukocyte trafficking, the role of chemoattractants in immunoregulation in both homeostatic and disease conditions, and clinical correlates of chemoattractant action. Pathogens under study include SARS-CoV-2, E. coli, Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondi. The clinical program investigates inborn errors of immunity, including WHIM syndrome, G6PC3 deficiency, and SASH3 deficiency and is developing new drug treatments, as well as gene therapy and allotransplantation cure strategies for affected patients. Mouse models of infection and immunodeficiency disease are used to dissect mechanisms of pathogenesis and for preclinical trials of novel interventions.

Dr. Murphy’s research interests include immunoregulation by chemokines and related chemoattractants, infectious disease pathogenesis, and inborn errors of immunity.