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Carolyn Coyne

George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor of Immunology
Integrative Immunobiology
3130 MSRB III, Box 3054, Durham, NC 27710
3130 MSRB III BX 3054, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


We study the pathways by which microorganisms cross cellular barriers and the mechanisms by which these barriers restrict microbial infections. Our studies primarily focus on the epithelium that lines the gastrointestinal tract and on placental trophoblasts, the cells that comprise a key cellular barrier of the human placenta. Our work is highly multidisciplinary and encompasses aspects of cell biology, immunology, and microbiology. Our long-term goals are to identify pathogen- and host-specific therapeutic targets to prevent or treat microbial infections and ultimately to alleviate the morbidity and mortality caused by these infections.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor of Immunology · 2022 - Present Integrative Immunobiology, Basic Science Departments
Professor of Integrative Immunobiology · 2023 - Present Integrative Immunobiology, Basic Science Departments
Professor of Pathology · 2022 - Present Pathology, Clinical Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology · 2022 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Member in the Duke Human Vaccine Institute · 2021 - Present Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2021 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published January 8, 2025
Duke 100 Trailblazer: Carolyn Coyne
Published May 18, 2022
University Awards 24 New Distinguished Professorships

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Recent Publications


Comparative analysis of the syncytiotrophoblast in placenta tissue and trophoblast organoids using snRNA sequencing

Journal Article eLife · May 27, 2025 The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) is a multinucleated cell layer that forms the outer surface of human chorionic villi. Its unusual structure, with billions of nuclei in a single cell, makes it difficult to resolve using conventional single-cell method ... Full text Cite

Cellular and Immune Adaptations at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Bats.

Journal Article bioRxiv · May 19, 2025 UNLABELLED: Bats maintain pregnancy despite extended gestation relative to other small mammals, high fetal investment, recurrent pathogen exposure, and the metabolic demands of flight. These physiological extremes likely drive unique adaptations in placent ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Model Systems Core (MODS Core)

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Weill Cornell Medicine · 2024 - 2029

Interferon-inducible cell-intrinsic host defense against Chlamydia trachomatis

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2024 - 2028

Microbial regulation of intestinal epithelial gene expression

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2028

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 2003 Ph.D.

External Links


coynelab.com