Meet the Team
Peter Mancuso, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences
Research Interest and Projects
Malnutrition is arguably the most common cause of immune suppression, from a global perspective, and a significant risk factor for infectious disease. The mechanisms responsible for impaired innate immune responses against bacterial infections arising from energy malnutrition are poorly understood. Leptin is a hormone produced by adipose tissue that is reduced in the energy malnourished and is known to regulate innate immune responses. We have observed that mice rendered leptin-deficient by genetic means or by fasting are more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia. We are currently exploring the intracellular signaling pathways by which leptin regulates alveolar macrophage function, proinflammatory mediator synthesis, and pulmonary host defense against bacterial pathogens.
In addition to malnutrition, tobacco smoke is also a potent immune suppressant and smokers are very susceptible to bacterial pneumonia. Previous studies have demonstrated that pulmonary bacterial clearance and alveolar macrophage antibacterial functions are reduced in smokers. However, the mechanisms responsible for these defects are poorly understood. We are currently exploring the role of nicotine in cigarette smoke induced suppression of pulmonary innate immune responses against bacterial pathogens.
See Peter Mancuso, Ph.D.’s full CV and contact information here.