The Sibley Lab at WashU Medicine investigates the inner workings—the cellular and molecular microbiology—of parasitic protozoa. Our central work targets Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that is usually benign but can become life-threatening in people with weakened immune systems. We are also committed to developing tools to study Cryptosporidium, a major global cause of pediatric diarrhea.
A major goal is to understand the molecular arms race between the parasite and the host. We seek to understand how host cells try to inhibit intracellular parasites and the mechanisms parasites use to evade these defenses. This research has pinpointed the parasite’s key virulence factors that actively disrupt host immunity and cellular function.
Ultimately, we hope that our findings will drive the development of new treatments. We are actively identifying small molecules that can effectively target crucial parasite pathways, creating promising leads for novel therapies.
The goal of our lab is to provide a supportive environment to foster creative scientific discoveries that will lead to improved human health.
L. David Sibley, PhD; Principal Investigator
The Sibley Lab at WashU Medicine is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds. We strive to create a safe space where every member can perform, learn and train to their highest potential. To uphold this commitment, the Sibley Lab prohibits discrimination in the employment and recruitment of faculty, staff and students based on race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information.