معرفی
Nicholas H. Carbonetti, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he has held a faculty position since 1991. His research focuses on Bordetella pertussis pathogenesis using murine models, with emphasis on host immune responses and age-dependent disease mechanisms.
His educational background includes:
- B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from the University of Birmingham, UK (1981)
- Ph.D. in Genetics/Microbiology from the University of Leicester, UK (1985)
- Postdoctoral training at UNC Chapel Hill under Dr. P. Frederick Sparling (1985-1989)
- European Community Senior Postdoctoral Fellowship at Sclavo Research Center, Italy (1989-1991)
Dr. Carbonetti's research investigates interferon-mediated lung inflammation in adult mice and neonatal susceptibility to lethal pertussis infection. His work reveals critical roles for type I/III interferons in disease pathogenesis and explores therapeutic interventions targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors and pendrin. Current projects examine PTX-mediated pulmonary hypertension, interferon lambda in infant protection, and NK cell immunity using advanced mouse models.
Analysis of his publication record shows consistent focus on molecular mechanisms of pertussis toxin, age-specific host responses, and translational therapeutic approaches. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with clinical manifestations, particularly investigating why infants experience severe disease and how host pathways can be modulated for treatment.
Dr. Carbonetti has served as PI on multiple NIH grants including R01 AI141372 (Age-dependent role of type I interferon) and R21 AI156042 (NK cell and interferon gamma deficiency). He directed the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology graduate program (2005-2015) and mentored numerous trainees through his research group.
His laboratory maintains active research on pertussis pathogenesis with emphasis on toxin-host interactions and age-dependent immunity. Dr. Carbonetti organized the 9th and 12th International Bordetella Symposia and served on editorial boards for Infection & Immunity and Pathogens & Disease, establishing himself as a leading authority in the field.
