Michael E. Selsted

Michael E. Selsted, MD, PhD, is Professor and former Chair of Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. As a board-certified pathologist and physician-scientist, he leads research on mammalian host defense mechanisms with continuous NIH funding since 1986. His landmark work includes the discovery and characterization of α-, β-, and θ-defensins – microbicidal peptides critical to innate immunity.

Dr. Selsted's investigations focus on developing defensin-based therapies for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and multidrug-resistant infections. His research spans peptide engineering, immunomodulation, and translational applications, resulting in over 50 patents and clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Honors include the NIH MERIT Award recognizing his sustained contributions to immunopathology. His team explores macrocyclic peptides derived from θ-defensins as novel therapeutic agents against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.