The Cao Lab at the University of Washington is a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group that focuses on two exciting and innovative research directions: mucosal immunoengineering and microbiome pharmaceutics. We aim to develop innovative and translatable tools that can prevent and treat a host of immunological disorders, including allergies, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, as well as infectious diseases. Currently, our lab is deeply engaged in developing therapeutics that modulate the immune system by specifically targeting the microbiome and its associated metabolites. By leveraging advanced drug delivery tools and microbiome modulation strategies, we aspire to unravel the complex interplay between the microbiome and various organ systems. This will not only expand our scientific understanding but also harness the potential of the microbiome to forge new pathways in improving human health.