Dr. Lee's laboratory is investigating the use of Streptococcus gordonii as a live oral vaccine vehicle. The goal is to achieve a protective immune response through oral colonization. In collaboration with Dr. Scott Halperin, we are investigating the use of the recombinant S. gordonii to generate a live oral vaccine against childhood diseases, such as pertussis. In addition, novel platforms for the development of single-dose vaccines for neonates are pursued with collaborators from other universities and industries.

A second focus in Dr. Lee's laboratory is investigating host-S. gordonii interactions and factors regulating antigen production in S. gordonii. The goal is to understand the recognition of S. gordonii by the host cells and the “bottle-neck” of foreign protein production to provide means to generate an efficient vaccine vehicle.

Dr. Lee’s laboratory is also interested in other oral bacteria including periodontal pathogens. Mechanisms used by Streptococcus mutans to modulate the cell surface are studied. The pathogenesis of and immunity to Treponema denticola are investigated in animal models.