Principal Investigator: Jennifer Wang, MD

Dr. Wang is a physician-scientist specializing in viral immunology and its role in human disease. Her laboratory investigates how viral infections shape immune responses and contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and other inflammatory conditions.

Type 1 Diabetes Research

Type 1 diabetes is caused by insulin deficiency resulting from the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Dr. Wang’s research has focused on how viral infection may trigger T1D. Using primary and stem cell-derived human islets (in vitro or engrafted in mice in vivo) and rat models of diabetes, her research is currently investigating relationships among infection, innate immunity, inflammation, and islet function. By collaborating with leading academic and industry investigators, Dr. Wang’s UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence research further explores potential therapeutic targets for treating T1D.

Viral Studies

Influenza A virus (IAV) causes a highly contagious acute respiratory illness that's responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in humans. IAV causes both seasonal epidemics and worldwide pandemics. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent responsible for COVID-19, has caused well over a million deaths worldwide. Dr. Wang is currently studying immune responses during several infections. She is actively engaged in human clinical studies for preventing and treating respiratory viruses.

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