Camille Ehre

Dr. Camille Ehre is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where she conducts research on the biophysical and biochemical properties of mucus in airway diseases. Her laboratory is affiliated with the Marsico Lung Institute and focuses on understanding mucus alterations in cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), as well as studying SARS-CoV-2 infection pathways in airway cells.

Dr. Ehre's research centers on the polymeric gel-forming mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B, which are among the largest glycoproteins in the animal world. The viscoelastic properties of mucus rely on these molecules, and she has established specialized assays to study mucin-mucin and mucin-DNA interactions using confocal imaging, fluorescence-based quantification, and multi-angle light scattering analysis. Her work demonstrates that mucus concentration in disease leads to airflow obstruction, bacterial infection, and chronic inflammation, with her laboratory developing new pharmacological approaches to restore lung health.

Analysis of Dr. Ehre's publications from 2022-2025 reveals a strong focus on mucus properties in cystic fibrosis, SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms, and potential therapeutic approaches to improve mucus clearance. Her research spans multiple disciplines including respiratory medicine, biochemistry, virology, and biophysics, with particular emphasis on understanding how mucin organization affects disease progression and developing treatments targeting mucus abnormalities.

Dr. Ehre conducts preclinical studies testing compounds aimed at improving mucus clearance, initially testing new pharmacological reagents in vitro using primary human bronchial epithelial cells and human specimens (sputum or bronchoalveolar lavages), with subsequent testing of drug efficacy and toxicity in vivo using mouse models of airway diseases such as the βENaC model. Her SARS-CoV-2 research includes detailed examination of viral production and structure using scanning electron microscopy in BSL-3 laboratory settings.