Dr. Nolt's research focuses on the human immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to better understand the CD8 T cell response during this chronic infection. Using immune and biochemical techniques, Dr. Nolt is exploring how this pathogen is displayed to CD8 T lymphocytes (in the context of HLA-I) by human dendritic cells. Antigen-specific studies (processing, presentation/loading) and HLA-I trafficking within the dendritic cells are key areas of interest in Dr. Nolt's laboratory. Results of Dr. Nolt's research will advance the field of immunobiology of tuberculosis, and contribute to the development of an improved vaccine against this deadly disease.