Darren J. Perkins

Dr. Darren J. Perkins is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a scientist at the Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on fundamental questions about how the human innate immune system maintains constant surveillance for infection by a vast array of microbes (viral, bacterial and fungal) as well as simultaneously searching for signs of malignant tumor formation.

Dr. Perkins' research interests center on innate immunology, particularly the roles of innate pattern recognition systems and the regulation of key genes driving inflammatory responses. His laboratory investigates how cells detect infection by pathogens and how host defense mechanisms are controlled to restrict microbial growth. Specific areas of focus include Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), type I Interferon signaling, macrophage biology, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) responses, and Salmonella pathogenesis. His work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of signaling pathways including TRIF, autophagy, and prostaglandin feedback mechanisms in immune regulation.

Dr. Perkins' recent publications reveal a strong focus on the interplay between bacterial pathogens and host immune responses, particularly examining how pathogens like Salmonella co-opt host immune systems. His research spans diverse areas including STING innate immune responses, calcium signaling in lysosomal damage, and transcriptomic analyses of severe malarial anemia. The work demonstrates a progression from fundamental mechanisms of innate immune recognition to complex host-pathogen interactions in disease contexts.

Dr. Perkins received his B.S. in Biology from Duke University in 1996 and his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Emory University in 2003. He completed postdoctoral training with Dr. Stefanie Vogel, studying how Toll-Like Receptors sense bacterial pathogens and orchestrate inflammatory responses. He currently maintains an active laboratory environment focused on creating an aspirational setting that fosters both trainee progress and concept development in innate immunology through data-driven approaches.