Globally, helminth parasites account for considerable economic losses in cattle, goat, and sheep production, where grazing ruminants suffer severe pathologies, such as anemia, reduced weight, poor nutrient uptake, loss of appetite, poor wool quality, and reduced performance. With rapidly changing climates and widespread resistance to anthelminthics, distribution and incidence of helminth infection is expanding. However, considerable differences in resistance to helminth infection exists due to genetic variation, providing an exquisite model to study immune-mediate resistance to helminth infection. The immune system is unique in that it is comprised of multiple cell types distributed throughout the body and exists in many different microenvironments within the host, which therefore require a highly regulated network of signaling pathways between immune cells and non-immune cells. Host immune regulation of infection is paramount towards resolution of disease, which is necessary to develop full protective immunity against reoccurring infection. Using an ovine model, Dr. Shepherd’s lab focuses on understanding mechanisms of immunity and metabolic regulation of immune response at the host-pathogen interface. Our interests aim to 1) understand how pathogens and host are competing for resources that effect immune responses and 2) investigate immune signaling via regulatory and metabolic checkpoints in resistant and susceptible sheep during helminth infection. Gaining insight into natural resistance will help develop better management tools and increase overall health of grazing ruminants.