The Lim lab studies interactions and evolution
of the human virome in development and immunity.

This research is being used in precision medicine that personalizes the prevention and treatment of diseases to individuals.

We are particularly interested in understanding

  • How the virome shapes the trajectory of infant development

  • SARS-CoV-2 mutations and their functional consequences 

  • Genomic epidemiology and public health surveillance 

MotherInfant.jpg

Mother-Infant

We study the role of the virome and microbiome on mother-infant health. While most microbiome studies focus on bacteria, we shed light on how viruses shape host-microbiome interactions.

Our focus is on early life events that shape healthy infant development, transmission of the virome and bacterial microbiome from mother to infant, and the impact of HIV disease

GulfWarVeterans.jpg

Microbiome interactions in Disease

Given the fundamental role of the microbiome in our health, we reason that the microbiome may be involved in other human diseases. This includes virome modulation in Gulf War Illness -
a chronic disorder that affects many Gulf War veterans, and immune mechanisms mediated by the microbiome in viral disease.

This research will be used to develop new microbiome modalities to treat patients.

SARSCoV2.jpg

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have initiated research efforts to understand and prevent COVID-19 transmission. This includes:


 
elim.png

Efrem Lim, PhD

Associate Professor
Arizona State University
School of Life Sciences
Biodesign Institute
Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics
 

Email: Efrem.Lim[at]asu.edu

 

We are funded by:

 

Arizona State University

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

NIH: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Arizona Department of Health Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Mayo Clinic