Joseph Alex Duncan

Joseph Alex Duncan, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor at the UNC School of Medicine, holding joint appointments in the Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and the Department of Pharmacology. He directs UNC's Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training Program and Physician Scientist Training Program, while also serving as a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

• Molecular mechanisms of NLR signaling (NOD2, NLRP3, NLRC4)
• Pyronecrosis and inflammasome activation
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae immune evasion strategies
• Staphylococcus aureus virulence mechanisms

His research focuses on innate immune signaling pathways activated by pathogens, particularly NLRP3 inflammasome activation through bacterial toxins and their role in infectious disease pathogenesis. Recent publications demonstrate his work on OMV-based vaccines for gonorrhea and molecular dissection of NLR protein ATP binding cycles.

Key collaborations include studies on Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia models and hepatitis A virus egress mechanisms. Duncan's work bridges biochemical analysis of immune sensors and translational studies in human experimental infections, with significant implications for treating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.