Welcome to the Deshmukh Lab at the University of Rochester Medical Center
We study how early-life exposures shape mucosal immunity, lung development, and lifelong health.
As a physician-scientist and Division Chief of Neonatology, I’ve long been fascinated by how the earliest exposures in life—whether microbial, inflammatory, or environmental—shape the development of the immune system and the lung. Our lab sits at the intersection of mucosal immunology, developmental biology, and translational neonatology. We aim to understand how life begins at the molecular level—and how it can go right, or wrong.
Our work is powered by curiosity, driven by collaboration, and grounded in a deep commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable infants. We leverage a range of tools—from germ-free mouse models and single-cell genomics to bedside partnerships in the NICU—to ask bold questions about lung health and immunity that matter across the lifespan.
I’m incredibly proud of the diverse, talented team we’ve built here in Rochester. Whether you are a potential collaborator, trainee, or simply curious about what we do—thank you for visiting. We hope our science resonates with you.
Hitesh S. Deshmukh, M.D, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator