John W Peterson, PhD
Samuel Baron Distinguished Professor
Microbiology & Immunology

Phone: (409) 266-6917
Fax: (409) 266-6810
Email: jpeterso@utmb.edu

Education: PhD, 1972, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
MS, 1969, North Texas State University
BS, 1967, University of Texas at Arlington

Overview: Toxins; inflammation; molecular pathogenesis of bacterial infections of the intestine; therapeutics against diarrheal disease and anthrax.

Research Interests

Dr. Peterson's research activities have been in the areas of toxin-mediated bacterial diseases, including cholera, anthrax, and salmonellosis. The majority of the lab's current research is focused on the evaluation of drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines that block the pathogenesis of anthrax. Screening of potential therapeutics is performed in tissue culture assays with the B. anthracis toxins before they are selected for further evaluation in small animal models of inhalation anthrax. Through collaboration, Dr. Peterson is investigating the molecular mechanism(s) by which the anthrax lethal factor kills macrophage cells designing and synthesizing more effective inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor and edema factor, as well as enterotoxins that stimulate intestinal adenylate cyclase. Ultimately, this research will advance the treatment or prophylaxis against inhalation anthrax and selected diarrheal diseases.

Recent Publications

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