In the Hoyer Lab we study immune dysfunction in Valley fever and Autoimmune diseases.

Valley fever: We study Coccidioides spp., the fungal pathogen species responsible for coccidiodomycosis, also known as Valley fever. Our primary research goal is to characterize host immunity against Valley fever to better understand what constitutes effective versus ineffective disease clearance. We aim to identify the cell types, cytokines, and behaviors associated with chronic disease outcome and the factors that contribute to infection persistence. 

Autoimmunity: The overall objectives of this research are to define the immunological abnormalities in models of spontaneous autoimmunity, and to identify the cells, stimuli and targeted antigens required for autoimmune development. We work to elucidate the immune abnormalities in inflammation and autoimmunity, with an emphasis on factors that trigger and maintain autoimmune disease. By identifying the dysregulated cytokines, expanded immune populations and relevant targets of autoimmune attack, we can better understand the mechanisms by which pathogenic lymphocytes cause damage, and work to develop strategies for treating autoimmunity.