Overview
The Abraham laboratory is interested in developing innovative approaches for curbing microbial infections through the study of the molecular interactions occurring between pathogenic bacteria and prominent immune and epithelial cells. We believe that there is a significant amount of crosstalk occurring between bacteria and host cells during infection and that the outcome of this interaction dictates both how quickly the infection is cleared and the severity of the pathology associated with the infection. We also believe that through deciphering this crosstalk we should be able to selectively promote certain beneficial interactions while abrogating the harmful ones.
There are two major research areas being pursued in this laboratory. The first involves elucidating the role of mast cells in modulating immune responses to microbes. Our studies have revealed that mast cells play a key sentinel role and upon bacterial or viral infection, modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses through the release of immunomodulatory molecules borne in granules. Our current investigations are centered on elucidating the molecular and cellular aspects of how mast cells mediate their immunomodulatory role. We are also examining several mast cell-targeted strategies to boost immunity to infections as well as reduce any pathological consequences of infection.
The second area of research investigates cross-talk between distinct infectious agents such as Uropathogenic E. coli,Salmonella typhimurium and Yersinia pestis and the immune system. We have recognized that different pathogens possess distinct mechanisms to evade or coopt one or more immune cells to establish infection. We have also unraveled novel intracellular innate host defense activities including expulsion of whole bacteria from infected epithelial cells, a feat mediated by immune recognition molecules and the cellular trafficking system.
Cumulatively, our studies should facilitate the design of innovative strategies to combat pathogens that selectively potentiate the host’s immune response without evoking some of its harmful side effects.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
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Recent Publications
Broadly active intranasal influenza vaccine with a nanocomplex particulate adjuvant targeting mast cells and toll-like receptor 9.
Journal Article J Control Release · May 18, 2025 Flumist is the only FDA-approved intranasal influenza vaccine. Although it has recently been approved for at-home use, it has significant limitations. These include reduced effectiveness in generating a protective immune response in patients with extensive ... Full text Link to item CiteReply.
Journal Article J Allergy Clin Immunol · October 2024 Full text Link to item CiteMastoparan-7 adjuvanted COBRA H1 and H3 hemagglutinin influenza vaccines.
Journal Article Sci Rep · June 14, 2024 Adjuvants enhance, prolong, and modulate immune responses by vaccine antigens to maximize protective immunity and enable more effective immunization in the young and elderly. Most adjuvants are formulated with injectable vaccines. However, an intranasal ro ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Duke KURe Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2013 - 2028Mechanistic Evaluation of Mast Cell Agonists Combined with TLR, NOD and STING Agonists
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2027The role of TRPV4 in migraine pain with focus on non-neural, keratinocytes and mast cells and mechanisms of racial differences in migraine pain suffering
ResearchCo-Mentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2021 - 2026View All Grants