Krishna Rajarathnam

Krishna Rajarathnam is a Professor in the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chemokine function, particularly how chemokines activate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and interact with sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to regulate neutrophil recruitment and activation during inflammation. He leads projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, examining structural and functional aspects of chemokine-receptor interactions and their roles in cancer and physiological processes.

• Key Research Areas:
• Chemokine dimerization and monomer-dimer equilibrium
• Structural basis of GAG-chemokine interactions
• CXCR2 receptor signaling in cancer and inflammation

Dr. Rajarathnam’s work combines biochemical, biophysical, and cellular approaches, including NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry, to dissect molecular mechanisms. His lab has elucidated how chemokine-GAG interactions fine-tune leukocyte trafficking and neutrophil activation, with implications for treating inflammatory and cancer-related conditions.

Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding CXCL17 proinflammatory roles, CXCL1-CXCL2 heterodimer function, and nitration-mediated regulation of CXCL8 activity. His research also addresses structural insights into chemokine-receptor complexes and therapeutic strategies targeting CXCR2.

• Grants & Projects:
• Structural Basis of chemokine CXCL1 recognition with CXCR2 receptor (NIH)
• Chemokine Synergy and Neutrophil Function (NIH)

His lab is equipped to study chemokine dynamics using advanced techniques, contributing to translational insights in immunology and structural biology.