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Laura Pope Hale

Professor of Pathology
Pathology
Duke Box 3712, Durham, NC 27710
214C Davison Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


The Hale laboratory employs techniques of cellular and molecular biology to study mechanisms responsible for the generation of both normal immune responses and immune-mediated diseases. Research in the laboratory is mainly focused on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an immune-mediated disorder that is hypothesized to result from the abnormal immune response of a genetically susceptible host to the antigens derived from enteric bacteria. Development of optimal treatments for disease requires a detailed understanding of mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Thus current work in the laboratory is aimed at understanding triggers of intestinal inflammation and mechanisms of inflammation-associated neoplasia, in addition to developing novel therapies for IBD treatment. Ongoing research also includes investigating mechanisms that determine the immunogenicity of oral antigens, to develop novel adjuvants for oral vaccines. This work has relevance for pathogenesis and treatment of infectious diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Hale is an expert in pathologic evaluation of colitis and immunodeficiency in both humans and mice and is board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Pathology · 2021 - Present Pathology, Clinical Science Departments
Member of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute · 2006 - Present Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Institutes and Centers

Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 1991 M.D.
Duke University · 1990 Ph.D.
Rutgers University · 1984 M.S.
Michigan State University · 1980 B.S.