Nicholas Carbonetti

Nicholas Carbonetti is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on the pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis infection, particularly age-dependent host responses and inflammatory pathology in adult and infant mouse models.

• B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK (1981)
• Ph.D. in Genetics/Microbiology, University of Leicester, UK (1985)

Dr. Carbonetti's work investigates how interferons and other host factors influence lung inflammation and susceptibility to pertussis. His lab uses mouse models to study mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and age-related differences in immune responses.

His recent publications highlight roles for type I/III interferons, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signaling, and pendrin in pertussis. These studies emphasize molecular interactions, therapeutic targeting, and translational implications for human disease.

• European Community Senior Postdoctoral Fellowship

Dr. Carbonetti served as Program Director for the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology graduate program (2005-2015) and held editorial roles for journals like Infection & Immunity and Pathogens & Disease. He has led NIH study sections and organized international symposia on Bordetella research.

His lab's grant-funded projects explore age-dependent interferon gamma and lambda roles in pertussis susceptibility, focusing on neonatal immunity and novel treatment strategies.