About

Megan Huber is a Molecular Microbiology and Immunology PhD student at Oregon Health & Science University in Dr. Melanie Harriff’s lab.

They study the MHC Class I-related molecule MR1, which presents small molecule ligands that are largely intermediates of the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway to lung-resident CD8⁺ MR1-restricted T (MR1T) cells. Given the ubiquity of MR1 expression and the relative abundance of antigen from mucosal commensals, control of MR1T activation is critical to temper immune overreaction while maintaining potential for rapid cytotoxic response to pathogens. Their ongoing work, including a co-first author paper in submission, explores the differential trafficking of MR1-containing endosomal compartments in airway epithelial cells in response to intracellular and extracellular respiratory pathogens including M. tuberculosis, S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae. Additionally, preliminary data from the Harriff Lab indicates [redacted until paper accepted].

Collectively, their research seeks to understand the mechanisms that regulate MR1 presentation of bacterial ligands to MR1T cells.

As a nonbinary scientist, Megan is passionate about making STEM fields accessible for LGBTQIA youth. Their history of STEM outreach has defined their career goals to mentor underrepresented undergraduate students in STEM fields.

Outside of science, Megan is a proud member of the Amazon Dragons dragonboat racing team and can be found at every Portland Thorns home game. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, they are a fervant Brewers and Packer fan (and yes, they do like to eat cheese and drink beer). They are also fond of digital art and their adorable cat Pixel.