Terry W. Wright

Terry W. Wright, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in both the Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His research focuses on the immunological mechanisms underlying Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) pathogenesis and lung defense in immunocompromised hosts.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (Microbiology and Immunology, 1995)
  • M.S., University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (Microbiology and Immunology, 1992)
  • B.S., Rochester Institute of Technology (Biotechnology, 1990)

Dr. Wright's research explores the host immune response to Pneumocystis infection, emphasizing early molecular signals from alveolar epithelial cells, cytokine/chemokine dynamics, and the dual role of inflammation in pathogen clearance versus lung injury. His work utilizes a scid mouse model to dissect CD4+ T lymphocyte-dependent immune responses and evaluate anti-inflammatory therapies.

Key trends in his publications include immunological investigation of Pneumocystis pathogenesis, epithelial-macrophage interactions, and translational studies on immune modulation. He holds patents related to Pneumocystis antigen development and antibody induction for pathogen defense.

• Scientific Awards:
  • American Society for Microbiology Sustaining Membership Travel Award (1994)