UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY – ILHEM MESSAOUDI, PHD
Advancing translational research focused on immunity, host defense, aging, and pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease through systems biology and innovative animal models.
Ilhem Messaoudi, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Kentucky
Institution
Immunology & Host Defense Research Program
Research & Clinical Program
Project Overview
The University of Kentucky conducts translational research focused on immunity, aging, pulmonary NTM disease, and host defense to improve understanding of infectious disease susceptibility and immune resilience.
Project Summary
Under the leadership of Ilhem Messaoudi, PhD, the laboratory combines clinical human samples, translational animal models, and systems biology approaches to investigate immunity and host defense. The research program focuses on aging, chronic exposures, pulmonary NTM disease, and immune resilience using next-generation sequencing technologies and functional immunology assays.
Project Goals
- Investigate age-related susceptibility to pulmonary NTM disease
- Identify immune and microbial mechanisms driving chronic infection
- Advance translational models for infectious disease research
Impact
The Messaoudi laboratory advances understanding of pulmonary NTM disease and immune aging through translational research and innovative animal models. Ongoing studies contribute to improved knowledge of chronic infection, inflammation, and immune dysfunction in aging populations.
Advancing Research. Improving Lives.
Supporting innovative translational research that improves understanding of immunity, aging, and pulmonary infectious diseases.

ILHEM MESSAOUDI, PHD
Email: MessaoudiLab@l.uky.edu
Project Overview
The University of Kentucky conducts translational research focused on pulmonary NTM disease, immunity, aging, and host defense to advance understanding of infectious disease susceptibility and immune resilience.