Understanding Intestinal Barrier
Function in Health and Disease.
We study how the intestinal barrier maintains homeostasis, responds to environmental stressors, and recovers after injury. By examining epithelial–immune interactions, our work aims to define the mechanisms that preserve gut immune balance in health and disease.
Explore Epithelial–immune Interactions
We investigate how the intestinal barrier maintains balance between digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune regulation. By studying the interactions between epithelial cells and the immune system, we aim to understand how the gut responds to stress, recovers from injury, and preserves homeostasis. Our research combines cellular and molecular approaches with collaborative expertise, driving insights that could inform strategies for maintaining gut health and treating disease.
Select Publications
Mucosally sourced complement factor B modulates the host response to colitis
Thapa A, Nallapu A, Mougboh N, Nedunchezian S, Talati K, Yang B, Hyun J, Sanchez JM, Seet CS, Koon HW, Li Z, Ciorba MA, Michelsen K, Kulkarni HS, Kulkarni DH. Mucosally sourced complement factor B modulates the host response to colitis. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Jan 1:2025.12.31.697141. doi: 10.64898/2025.12.31.697141. PMID: 41509372; PMCID: PMC12776390.
Antigen Uptake in the Gut: An Underappreciated Piece to the Puzzle?
Kulkarni DH, Newberry RD. Antigen Uptake in the Gut: An Underappreciated Piece to the Puzzle? Annu Rev Immunol. 2025 Apr;43(1):571-588. doi: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-082523-090154. PMID: 40279313; PMCID: PMC12068241.
Local complement activation and modulation in mucosal immunity
Kulkarni DH, Starick M, Aponte Alburquerque R, Kulkarni HS. Local complement activation and modulation in mucosal immunity. Mucosal Immunol. 2024 Aug;17(4):739-751. doi: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2024.05.006. Epub 2024 Jun 4. PMID: 38838816; PMCID: PMC11929374.