Prabir Ray

Background

About Prabir Ray

My research is focused on understanding host defense mechanisms against respiratory pathogens that cause bacterial pneumonia. In previous work we described the role of regulatory myeloid cells in the lung in resolution of bacterial pneumonia that can precipitate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)(Chakraborty…Ray P. Nature Communications, 2017; PMID: 28074841). We also identified a peripheral blood signature that distinguishes sepsis patients who develop ARDS vs those who do not (Jiang.Ray, P; JCI Insight, 32554932). A primary goal of our current research is to establish strategies to prevent bacterial pneumonia in hospitalized patients. Gram-negative bacteria are common causes of pneumonia in critically ill and immunocompromised hospitalized ICU patients which is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterium, is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. Despite access to new classes of antibiotics, multidrug resistance to P. aeruginosa has doubled over the past 30 years and there is an urgent need for alternative antibiotic-free approaches to combat this pathogen. We have established a strategy to train lung neutrophils to defend against a lethal infection by P. aeruginosa in a mouse model. A similar protective neutrophil signature is evident in the lungs of ICU patients who survive acute respiratory failure/ARDS. Das….Ray, P.(Nature communications (accepted). Also see