Welcome to Norton Lab
Dr. Elizabeth Norton and her research team are part of the Tulane School of Medicine Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Our laboratory's research focuses on promoting a healthy immune system through animal model and primary human cell analyses. Ongoing areas of research include: how inflammation alters age-related immunity and vaccine efficacy, how to best protect mucosal surfaces from respiratory infections (flu, TB) and bacterial diarrheal diseases (ETEC), and how derivatives from a unique bacterial toxin can act as vaccine adjuvants or anti-inflammatory therapies for gastrointestinal disease. The links in the toolbar have more information about us and our research, but below, you can find a little more about the why, how, & what of the research we do.
Why
Why do we research what we do? The host immune system is dynamic and complex. If we can understand how to manipulate immunity, we can improve human health.
How
How do we investigate imunological questions? Through tissue culture, animal models, & primary human samples. Some of our project specific assays include protein (gels, blots, ELISAs, bioplex); signaling (microscopy, WB, IP); cellular characterizations (microscopy, flow, culture); site-specific or mucosal surface; bacterial, viral or disease-specific.
What
What is the focus of our research? A major focus is immunomodulation through vaccines or therapeutics against disease (Influenza, ETEC, IBD). We also investigate the impact of age or underlying chronic disease (IBD, diabetes) on immunologic function.