Dr. Choudhy's laboratory has been involved in investigating the mechanism by which burn, trauma and alcohol exposure impairs intestinal immunity and epithelial barrier function.  Gut epithelial barrier dysfunction and subsequent translocation of bacteria are often implicated in the pathogenesis associated with major trauma and burn injury as well as in patients with alcohol exposure.  The focus of his ongoing research is on: 1) T cell medicated immunity against gut derived bacteria; 2) neutrophil and their role in tissue damage and defense against bacteria; and 3) epithelial cells and their role in defense against gut bacteria.  The lab also focuses to define a novel role of IL-18 and IL-12 in impaired intestinal immunity and epithelial barrier functions.  IL-18 was initially discovered as an IFN-g-inducing factor and thus for a long time it has been studied in context of Th-1 differentiation.  However, recent findings from Dr. Choudhry's laboratory and others suggest that IL-18 is pleiotropic in nature, and has many roles in the inflammatory processes.  Results from these studies would yield novel information and provide innovative approaches for designing more specific therapy for the treatment of burn patients as well as in patients who have a history of alcohol abuse