The Lung Biology Program stands at the forefront of pioneering research and thrives through a dynamic network of collaboration with the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, the Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory (TMPL), and the Lung Health Center. 

Under the leadership of Professor Amit Gaggar, M.D., Ph.D., and Program Manager Miki Jinno, this distinguished program's mission is driven by a diverse, multidisciplinary team of investigators from across the UAB campus. These dedicated scientists are committed to advancing our understanding of lung biology and pulmonary science in areas such as cystic fibrosis, COVID-19, asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and critical care medicine. Serving as a pivotal center for biomedical research, the program significantly contributes to UAB and extends its impact worldwide by addressing critical lung diseases.

Dr. Amit Gaggar is the William C. Bailey Endowed Chair of Pulmonary Medicine. He serves as the Scientific Director of the UAB Lung Health Center and the Director of the Program in Lung Biology. Dr. Gaggar completed his undergraduate and medical training at the University of Michigan before joining UAB for his internal medicine residency and pulmonary/critical care fellowship.

As a physician-scientist, Dr. Gaggar has a longstanding interest in protease biology and innate immune signaling in chronic lung diseases such as COPD and cystic fibrosis. His research, published in high-impact journals like Science, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Cell, integrates basic cell and animal models with clinical specimens from well-phenotyped patient cohorts to understanding fundamental processes in human disease. Additionally, he is an active clinical trialist, conducting both large multicenter studies and single-center, investigator-initiated studies in lung disease. 

Miki Jinno recently took on the role of Program Manager for the Lung Biology Program, bringing over two decades of rich experience in basic, translational, and clinical research, particularly in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine. Throughout her career, Miki has excelled not only as a researcher but also as a manager and administrator, making significant contributions to the advancement of medical science. Her dedication and expertise position her to drive impactful progress in lung biology research and innovation.

Our Advisory Board

Stephen Barnes, PhD

Distinguished Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology Chair's Office

J. Edwin Blalock, PhD

Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine

Todd Green, PhD

Associate Professor, Microbiology

Rakesh Patel, PhD

Professor, Molecular and Cellular Pathology

J. Michael Wells, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine

Our Members