Louisa Wu

Louisa Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on host defense mechanisms against pathogens, particularly the innate immune response in Drosophila melanogaster. She investigates signal transduction pathways and cellular interactions critical for immune function. Dr. Wu earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego in 1995.

Her work combines genetic, biochemical, and cellular approaches to understand how insects combat infections. Recent studies include analyzing phagocytosis assays in vivo and the role of autophagy in immune regulation. She has contributed to elucidating Toll pathway roles in antiviral defenses and identified key genes like Rab14 and ird1 in bacterial immunity.

Dr. Wu is affiliated with the BISI-Molecular & Cellular Biology (MOCB) graduate program. Her research has been published in journals such as Cell Reports, Journal of Immunology, and Development. While no specific awards are listed, her contributions to Drosophila immunity research are widely recognized.

Her lab explores topics like RNA splicing factors' roles in immune regulation and vesicle trafficking pathways. Collaborations with colleagues like Norbert Perrimon and Eric Baehrecke highlight interdisciplinary approaches to studying immune mechanisms.