Samithamby Jeyaseelan

Dr. Samithamby Jeyaseelan is a Professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He joined the LSU faculty in July 2007 and holds the prestigious Dr. William L. Jenkins Endowed Professorship. Dr. Jeyaseelan serves as Director of the NIH-Supported Center for Lung Biology and Disease, which received $11.5 million in NIH funding to advance pulmonary research.

Dr. Jeyaseelan's research focuses on the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases and sepsis, investigating molecular mechanisms of neutrophil recruitment and host defense against bacterial pathogens. His laboratory studies pattern recognition receptors (TLRs and NLRs) in lung inflammation, the impact of second-hand smoke on immunity, and the role of lung-derived stem cells in bacterial pneumonia. His work employs murine models and examines pathogens including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on inflammasome biology, particularly NLRP6, and its role in regulating neutrophil homeostasis during bacterial pneumonia and sepsis. His research spans immunology, molecular biology, and pulmonary medicine, with increasing emphasis on translational applications for treating inflammatory lung conditions.

• 2023 Andrew Lackner Mentoring Award
• 2021 Shock Society Executive Council Member
• 2020 American Thoracic Society Journals Eminent Reviewer Award
• 2020 LSU Rainmaker Award (Senior Scholar)
• 2019 Dr. William L. Jenkins Endowed Professorship
• 2013 Dean's Teaching Merit Honor Roll
• 2011 Pfizer Award for Research Excellence

Dr. Jeyaseelan has secured substantial research funding as Principal Investigator, including multiple NIH grants totaling over $15 million. His mentoring has produced numerous award-winning students who have received NIH Pre-doctoral Awards, AHA Postdoctoral Awards, and LSU research honors. He actively collaborates with the Tulane National Primate Center to develop non-human primate models of bacterial lung infection.

His laboratory, the Center for Lung Biology and Disease, represents a major research hub for pulmonary immunology at LSU, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise to investigate host-pathogen interactions and develop novel therapeutic approaches for inflammatory lung diseases and sepsis.