Lu Huang

Dr. Lu Huang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. His research focuses on defining protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), particularly examining the immunometabolic and ontogenetic features of lung macrophages in tuberculosis pathogenesis. He earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University and completed postdoctoral training there. His work integrates cellular biology, immunology, and systems biology to understand how macrophage subsets influence Mtb survival and inform vaccine/therapeutic strategies.

Key research themes include:

• Macrophage metabolism and lineage heterogeneity in TB
• Host-pathogen interactions during infection
• Immunometabolic pathways in mycobacterial control

Recent publications highlight studies on ITK deficiency's impact on early pulmonary TB protection, dual RNA-sequencing of infected macrophages, and the role of neutrophils in Mtb permissiveness. His work also explores broader implications for pulmonary diseases and aging-related immune changes. Currently accepting new graduate students and trainees.