Dr. Soong’s research focuses on tropical infectious diseases caused by
insect‐transmitted pathogens. Using mouse and cell culture infection
models, she examines how innate and adaptive immune responses against
bacteria, viruses, and
parasites are regulated, which host‐ and
pathogen‐derived factors are responsible for disease pathogenesis, and
which molecules can be incorporated into the disease control regimen.
Special focus is placed on the activation and dysregulation
of infected target cells (endothelial and dendritic
cells, neutrophils, and macrophages), as well as on their impact on T
cell responses, during acute versus chronic infection. New lines of
research include host cellular signaling, tissue‐specific
gene expression profiles, and genetic susceptibility
variants for leishmaniasis and scrub typhus. She also has collaborations
with other scientists on animal models of Zika virus infection and
vaccine development for viral infection.