Kim E. Nichols Lab

The Nichols Lab has a vibrant and interactive team committed to increasing knowledge of disease mechanisms and developing novel therapies for children at increased risk for cancer and hyperinflammation.

At the heart of our laboratory’s research program is the aim to better understand how germline genetic variants can lead to cancer and particular hyperinflammatory disorders. Armed with this more in-depth knowledge, our work will inform more effective treatments for children who are at a greater risk for developing cancer and hyperinflammation.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and often fatal hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by the dysregulated activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages which secrete high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our laboratory uses patient samples and animal models to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying development of HLH. The “cytokine storm” associated with HLH is also found in other hyperinflammatory scenarios as with COVID-19 and response to CAR T-cell therapy. Using HLH as a model disease will inform treatment of cytokine storm syndromes more broadly, St. Jude is now leading a multi-institution clinical trial for HLH based on research conducted in our laboratory.