Ramesh Rijal

Dr. Ramesh Rijal is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, leading the Rijal Lab. His research focuses on understanding how pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis survive within human macrophages, particularly through the role of polyphosphate (polyP) in inhibiting immune responses and antibiotic efficacy. The lab investigates polyP’s effects on bacterial stress adaptation, biofilm formation, and macrophage functions. He holds a DRRERNAT from the University of Cologne (2016) and an MS (2012) from the same institution.

Research Interests include Host-Pathogen Interaction, Bacterial Pathogenesis, Macrophage Biology, and Drug Discovery. His work combines microbiology, cell biology, and pharmacology to develop therapies targeting polyP pathways for improved infection treatment.

Recent studies explore synergistic antibiotic combinations (e.g., gallein with isoniazid) to combat Mtb, as well as polyP’s role in cellular signaling and nutrient retention in Dictyostelium discoideum. The lab also develops models for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) therapeutics.

Dr. Rijal’s lab accepts students interested in microbial pathogenesis and immunology. No specific grants or awards are listed, but his work is foundational in advancing understanding of pathogen survival mechanisms.

Lab activities emphasize proteomic analysis, chemorepulsion pathway studies, and drug discovery. The team uses Dictyostelium as a model system to study bacterial interactions with eukaryotic cells, bridging basic research and translational medicine.