The Dobos laboratory is focused on descriptive, comparative studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains that are relevant to the development of second-generation vaccines and diagnostic assays. Specifically, the laboratory utilizes mass spectrometry, animal models of tuberculosis, and collaborations with clinical research groups to define macromolecules engaged in host-parasite interactions. This is accomplished through highly collaborative studies within CSU and outside of the University.
The Dobos lab has been certified as a Green Level Certified Lab as of February 9, 2023. Learn more about My Green Lab certification or visit the CSU Green Labs website.
research project
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Biological Research Repository (MID-BRR)
The Dobos laboratory provides crude and purified reagents from M. tuberculosis, M. leprae, and other specialized Mycobacterium species and transfers these reagents to the MID-BRR repository managed by American Type Culture Collection. Products include irradiated cells, subcellular fractions, genomic DNA, crude lipids, purified lipids, lipoglycans, native proteins, and antibodies/antisera.
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research project
Collaborations with Oregon Health and Sciences University
The Lewinsohn lab focuses on understanding how human CD8+ T cells recognize cell infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Areas of interest include defining the repertoire of immunodominant antigens in Mtb, defining the mechanisms by which Mtb-antigens can enter the HLA-I antigen processing pathway, and defining the mechanisms by which innate T cells can recognize cells infected with Mtb.
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research project
Collaborations with Saint Louis University
Dr. Daniel Hoft treats patients for infectious diseases. His areas of expertise include tuberculosis, parasitology, and vaccination. He is particularly interested in research into vaccine development, especially for Chagas disease, pandemic influenza, and tuberculosis.
research project
CDC PHEPRAR contract
The Dobos lab will establish conditions for kill curves for requested genus. After surrogate kill curves are established, ATCC will provide “select agent” genus/species to be tested. These will be irradiated at one dose higher than the minimum dose required to kill the surrogate. The Dobos laboratory provides scientific expertise on the irradiation of select agents and surrogates/near neighbors.
Publications
Disruption of riboflavin biosynthesis in mycobacteria establishes riboflavin pathway intermediates as key precursors of MAIT cell agonists.
Chengalroyen MD, Oketade N, Worley A, Lucas M, Ramirez LMN, Raphela ML, Swarbrick GM, Soma PS, Zuma M, Warner DF, Lewinsohn DA, Mehaffy C, Adams EJ, Hildebrand W, Dobos KM, Mizrahi V, Lewinsohn DM.PLoS Pathog. 2025 Jul 1;21(7):e1012632. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012632. eCollection 2025 Jul.PMID: 40591719 Free PMC article.
Mutations outside the MR1 antigen binding groove differentially inhibit presentation of exogenous antigens.
Kulicke CA, Lemon C, Krawic JR, Ramirez LMN, Kim SJ, Narayanan G, Tafesse FG, Hildebrand WH, Dobos KM, Lewinsohn DM.bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 May 19:2025.05.14.654109. doi: 10.1101/2025.05.14.654109.PMID: 40475583 Free PMC article. Preprint.
Establishment of minimum protein standards for Mycobacterium tuberculosis-derived extracellular vesicles through comparison of EV enrichment methods.
Ryan JM, Shelton K, Dzieciatkowska M, Kruh-Garcia N, Dobos KM. Mycobacteria. 2025;1(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s44350-025-00003-8. Epub 2025 Apr 15.PMID: 40256639
Systematic review of innate immune responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in animal models.
Nieto Ramirez LM, Mehaffy C, Dobos KM. Front Immunol. 2025 Jan 30;15:1467016. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1467016. eCollection 2024. PMID: 39949719
Modulation of riboflavin biosynthesis and utilization in mycobacteria.
Chengalroyen MD, Mehaffy C, Lucas M, Bauer N, Raphela ML, Oketade N, Warner DF, Lewinsohn DA, Lewinsohn DM, Dobos KM, Mizrahi V.bioRxiv. 2023 Sep 10:2023.08.30.555301. doi: 10.1101/2023.08.30.555301. Preprint. PMID: 37693561
more publications
People
Karen Dobos, Ph.D.
Lab Principal Investigator [PI]
Professor
Scientific Director, CSU Regional Biocontainment Laboratory
Dobos Lab members work together to plant 25 trees as a recent community service and teambuilding activity.
contact information
Laboratory: Research Innovation Center (RIC) D139
(970) 491-2229
[email protected]
