Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Director: W. Allan Walker
Summary of Research
My research focuses on the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal infectious and inflammatory disorders. I have a longstanding interest in the host immune response to Clostridium difficile, the etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. My research has shown that a systemic humoral immune response to C. difficile toxin A is associated with natural protective immunity against it. This important finding has opened the way to the development and testing of novel passive and active immunization regimens to prevent and treat C. difficile diarrhea and colitis.
Contact Information
Phone: 617-667-1264
Fax: 617-726-4172
E-mail: ckelly2@bidmc.harvard.edu
