Bruce Walcheck, PhD

My lab studies various aspects of leukocyte biology and innate immunity. Our focus includes neutrophils, typically the first leukocyte population to be recruited to sites of bacterial infection, and natural killer (NK) cells, which play a key role in killing virus-infected cells and cancer cells. The cell surface expression levels of many receptors important for the function of these leukocyte populations are regulated by a process referred to as ectodomain shedding. We are interested in manipulating this process to improve leukocyte function during disease.

• Leukocyte biology
• Flow Cytometry
• Immunology
• Inflammation

Various receptors expressed on the surface of leukocytes that are critical for their function are regulated by a process known as “ectodomain shedding”, which is mediated by the metalloprotease ADAM17. We are actively studying this process to manipulate leukocyte function, such as to enhance tumor cell killing by NK cells. 

Dr. Walcheck, PubMed

• CVM6911 - Veterinary Immunology, Instructor

• Center for Immunology
• Masonic Cancer Center
• Stem Cell Institute
• Comparative Molecular Biology (CMB) Graduate Program
• Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology (MICaB) Graduate Program
• The Walcheck Lab