Scholars@Duke
John Robert Perfect

John Robert Perfect

James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Infectious Diseases
perfe001@mc.duke.edu
Duke Box 102359, Durham, NC 27710
Hanes House Rm 163, Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

Research in my laboratory focuses around several aspects of medical mycology. We are investigating antifungal agents (new and old) in animal models of candida and cryptococcal infections. We have examined clinical correlation of in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing and with in vivo outcome. Our basic science project examines the molecular pathogenesis of cryptococcal infections. We have developed a molecular foundation for C. neoformans, including transformation systems, gene disruptions, differential gene expression screens, and cloning pathogenesis genes. The goal of this work is to use C. neoformans as a model yeast system to identify molecular targets for antifungal drug development. There are a series of clinical trials in fungal infections which are being coordinated through this laboratory and my work also includes a series of antibiotic trials in various aspects of infections. Finally, we have now been awarded a NIH sponsored Mycology Unit for 5 years with 6 senior investigators which is focused on C. neoformans as a pathogenic model system, but will include multiple areas of medical mycology from diagnosis to treatment.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Medicine · 2013 - Present Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Medicine
Professor of Medicine · 1996 - Present Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Medicine
Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2016 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments

In the News

Published May 8, 2024
Keto Diet Boosts Lifesaving Antifungal Drug in Mice
Published June 14, 2016
Protein Structures Pave The Way For Broad-Spectrum Antifungals
Published October 5, 2015
Meningitis' Sci-Fi Worthy Creep Into the Brain

View All News

Recent Publications

The Pain Is in the Brain With the Sugar-Coated Killer.

Journal Article J Infect Dis · December 20, 2025 Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are encapsulated yeasts that have become increasingly common central nervous system (CNS) pathogens within an enlarging populationof immunocompromised host. CNS disease represents a major interaction between ... Full text Link to item Cite

Vaccine-Mediated Protection of Mice Against African and Asian Clinical Strains of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Journal Article J Fungi (Basel) · December 16, 2025 Infections with strains of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex are responsible for over 100,000 deaths per year, predominantly due to meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. Despite much research, there are no licensed fungal vaccines availabl ... Full text Link to item Cite

Inhibitors of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase activity in fungal pathogens compromise thermal tolerance pathways.

Journal Article mBio · October 8, 2025 Infections caused by fungal pathogens such as Candida and Cryptococcus are associated with high mortality rates, partly due to limitations in the current antifungal arsenal. This highlights the need for antifungal drug targets with novel mechanisms of acti ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants

Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in AIDS

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2010 - 2030

2/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University

ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

Evolution of Cryptococcus neoformans Strains from Patients with HIV/AIDS

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications

The University of Toledo · 1974 M.D.