Khyati Girdhar, PhD
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Endocrinology)
Locations
- TBRC/CRI
- 2nd Floor, C2570
8701 Watertown Plank Rd,
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Contact Information
Honors and Awards
2022, D-challenge Award
Research Interests
My lab research focused on understanding the environmental factors which play a fundamental role in shaping immune responses and influencing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) progression. Our research program is dedicated to understanding how the gut microbiome interacts with the immune system, identifying key microbial players that either protect against or promote autoimmunity.
In my lab, we determine:
- Why and which microbes are specifically interacting with the immune system by utilizing new sequencing techniques?
- How do these gut microbes and immune interactions evolve as disease progresses to help us identify new Biomarkers?
- How the functional molecules e.g. proteins, metabolites, and exosomes secreted by microbiota influence immune cell behavior during T1D development
Beyond identifying microbial triggers, our research work also focuses on translating these findings into therapeutic strategies. One of our primary research areas is the development of new probiotics and also engineering probiotic therapies to induce immune tolerance or reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and reduce complications in T1D patients.
We believe our research will help in predicting, preventing, and managing T1D: 1) By identifying Early Detection & Biomarkers. 2) by utilizing microbial-based therapies to restore immune balance and 3) by determining individual variations in microbiome-immune interactions to develop personalized treatment strategies.
Get Involved
For Researchers & Clinicians: Collaborate with us to advance microbiome-based immunotherapies.
For Students & Trainees: Explore research opportunities and contribute to T1D Research.
For Patients & Public: Stay informed – Follow us on Social Media (LinkedIn | X: @GirdharKhyati) for updates