Lawrenz Lab logo featuring a stylized plague doctor with a beak mask wearing a hat, encircled by the text "LAWRENZ LAB" at the top and "UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE" at the bottom.

We study how bacteria interact with the immune system.

Our goal is to develop new therapeutics that protect people from infection.

We are particularly interested in Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes the plague.

We have three main research interests:

  • Evasion of innate immunity during plague

  • Mechanisms of zinc acquisition by bacteria during infection

  • New drugs to combat antimicrobial-resistant infections

Learn more about our research ⟶

Latest News

Latest News
Kaitlyn and Caleb Presented at the SLB Conference
Kaitlyn and Caleb Presented at the SLB Conference

Postdocs Kaitlyn Whitefoot-Keliin and Caleb Whitley presented their data at the Society for Leukocyte Biology’s annual conference.

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Mahendar and Subarna Presented at the Wind River Conference
Mahendar and Subarna Presented at the Wind River Conference

Postdoc Mahendar Kadari and graduate student Subarna Roy gave oral presentations at the Wind River Conference on Prokaryotic Biology.

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Dr. Katelyn Sheneman!
Dr. Katelyn Sheneman!

Katelyn Sheneman officially graduated with her doctorate today!

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New Grant to Study EV Modulation during Infection
New Grant to Study EV Modulation during Infection

We are collaborating with Drs. Silvia Uriarte and Heather Pua to understand how bacteria modulate the production of extracellular vesicles.

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All nine current members of the Lawrenz Lab standing outdoors on a terrace.