Elsa Bou Ghanem PhD
Elsa Bou Ghanem
PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Ageing; Bacterial Pathogenesis; Immunology; Infectious Disease; Inflammation; Microbial Pathogenesis; Microbiology; Mitochondria; Translational Research; Vaccine Development
Professional Summary:
Research in my laboratory focuses on age-associated changes in innate immune responses that render the elderly more susceptible to infections. As the number of individuals above 65 years old is projected to reach 2 billion by 2050, infections in this population poses a serious health and economic burden. A major area of our work is on infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) that despite the availability of vaccines, remain the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly. Immunosenescence, the age-related decline in immune-cell function, and inflammaging, the age-related increase in basal inflammation, may both contribute to the increased susceptibility of the elderly to life-threatening S. pneumoniae infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis.
Of particular interest are polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) or neutrophil responses. PMNs are innate immune cells that are key determinants of disease following infection because their initial presence is required to control bacterial numbers, but their persistence in the lungs is detrimental to the host. PMN responses are dysregulated in aging; however, the pathways driving this are not well elucidated. We found that in young hosts, resistance to infection, PMN antibacterial function as well as pulmonary recruitment and resolution following pneumococcal pneumonia is controlled by the extracellular adenosine (EAD) pathway. EAD is produced by the sequential action of two exonucleosidases, CD39 and CD73, and can signal via four known adenosine receptors, that can be pro- or anti-inflammatory. Interestingly, we found that pneumococci can modulate host inflammatory responses by targeting the expression of EAD pathway components.
We are using a variety of approaches including in vitro modeling of PMN responses from human donors, mouse models of infection as well as genetic manipulation of bacteria to elucidate the following: 1) How the EAD pathway shapes PMN responses during infection; 2) The role of the EAD pathway in age-driven immune dysregulation; 3) The role of PMNs and the EAD pathway in mounting protective memory responses following vaccination in young and aged hosts; 4) The S. pneumoniae virulence factors required to manipulate the EAD pathway. Elucidating what drives the dysregulated immune responses during aging has the potential of using novel therapies to combat infections in the elderly.
Education and Training:
- PhD, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Kentucky (2011)
- MS, Microbiology and Immunology, American University of Beirut (2006)
- BS, Medical Laboratory, American University of Beirut (2004)
Employment:
- Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2024-present)
- Assistant Professor, Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2018–2024)
- Research Associate, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Tufts University School of Medicine (2016–2018)
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Tufts University School of Medicine (2011–2016)
Awards and Honors:
- Excellence in Leukocyte Biology Early Career Award Finalist (2022)
- Nominated and Selected to Contribute to the Early Career Scientists I&I Minireview Special Issue (2021)
- Early Career Investigator Award, Selected Speaker for The Latin Mucosal Immunology Meeting (2019)
- Society for Leukocyte Biology 50th Annual Meeting Travel Award (2017)
- Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University’s Hamish N. Munro Award for Excellence in Post-doctoral Research (2015)
- Eukaryotic Cell Outstanding Young Investigator Poster Presentation Award at FASEB Microbial Pathogenesis Meeting (2015)
- Natalie V. Zucker Research Center for Women Scholars Award (2014)
- Best Poster prize; Boston Bacterial Meeting (2013)
- Best Poster Award, Nutritional Immunology RIS Trainee Poster Competition at Experimental Biology Meeting (2013)
- Best Poster Award, University of Kentucky, Microbiology and Immunology Retreat (2008)
- Student Travel Award, University of Kentucky (2007)
- Scholarship for Masters Students, American University of Beirut (2004)
Research Expertise:
- Aging
- Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Bacterial Pathogenesis: Virulence requirements under inflammatory conditions
- Immune Senescence: Age-driven dysregulation in neutrophil responses
- Inflammation: Immune modulatory extracellular adenosine during bacterial pneumonia
- Innate Immunology: Recruitment and anti-bacterial function of neutrophils
- Vaccine Responses: Age-driven decline in vaccine responses
Research Centers:
- Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology
UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:
- Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- August 2022–April 2027
Liposomal Encapsulation Vaccine Design for Pneumococcal Disease in Aged Subjects
NIA
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$2,015,365 - January 2023–December 2026
The role of A1 adenosine receptor signaling in the decline of S. pneumoniae killing by neutrophils in vaccinated aged hosts
NIAID-F31
Role: Contributor
$96,900 - September 2022–May 2026
Deciphering hormonal regulation of neutrophil biology
NIA-R01
Role: Co-Investigator
$2,728,945 - September 2021–May 2026
The role of neutrophils in the age-driven decline in anti-pneumococcal vaccine responses
NIA-R01
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,684,125 - November 2024–December 2025
The role of the extracellular adenosine pathway in the age-driven susceptibility to pulmonary infections
VPHS Aging Seed Funding
Role: Principal Investigator
$50,000 - February 2023–January 2025
The role of PMNs and extracellular adenosine in host-resistance against S. pneumoniae / influenza A virus co-infection
NIAID-R21
Role: Principal Investigator
$419,393 - September 2022–August 2024
LEPS pneumococcal vaccine for aged hosts
Pfizer Robert Austrian Research Award to postdoctoral scholar Manmeet Bhalla
Role: Contributor
$25,000 - July 2022–June 2023
Role of neutrophils in the decline of pneumococcal vaccine protection in aged hosts
Mark Diamond Research Fund Grant Graduate Student Association to Essi Tchalla
Role: Contributor
$2,620 - April 2021–March 2023
The role of the extracellular adenosine pathway and neutrophils during infective endocarditis induced by S. pneumoniae
American Heart Association
Role: Contributor
$136,750 - March 2021–February 2023
Features of PMN senescence that lead to susceptibility to pneumococcal infection
NIA-R21
Role: Co-Investigator
$469,115 - June 2020–May 2022
Genetic susceptibility to mucosal infections with aging
NIAID-R21
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$438,625 - June 2021–September 2021
The role of neutrophils in the age-driven decline in anti-pneumococcal vaccine responses
NIA-R56
Role: Principal Investigator
$80,528 - September 2019–June 2021
The efficacy of Liposomal Encapsulation of Polysaccharides pneumococcal vaccine in protecting aged hosts against invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in murine models
NIA-R21
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$436,310 - September 2018–June 2021
The role of extracellular adenosine in age-driven susceptibility to S. pneumoniae lung infection
NIA-R00
Role: Principal Investigator
$453,576 - April 2019–April 2021
The role of the extracellular adenosine pathway in age-driven decline in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) anti-pneumococcal responses
The University at Buffalo CTSI Translational Pilot Studies Program
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$40,000 - May 2016–January 2018
The role of extracellular adenosine in age-driven susceptibility to S. pneumoniae lung infection
NIA-K99
Role: Principal Investigator
$235,240 - August 2013–August 2016
The role of extracellular adenosine in resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection
Life Sciences Research Foundation; Sponsor: The Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Role: Principal Investigator
$180,000 - January 2013–January 2015
Vitamin E Reverses Age-Associated Susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae Lung Infection
ASPEN Rhodes Foundation Abbott Nutrition grant
Role: Principal Investigator
$50,000
Journal Articles:
- Tchalla EYI, Betadpur A, Khalil AY, Bhalla M, Bou Ghanem EN. (2024) Sex-based difference in immune responses and efficacy of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Journal of leukocyte biology (Aug)
- Bou Ghanem EN. (2024) CHIPing away at immunity: the role of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in bacterial pneumonia. The Journal of clinical investigation (Jun), 134(11) doi:10.1172/JCI181064
- Simmons SR, Herring SE, Tchalla EYI, Lenhard AP, Bhalla M, Bou Ghanem EN. (2024) Activating A1 adenosine receptor signaling boosts early pulmonary neutrophil recruitment in aged mice in response to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Immunity & ageing : I & A (Jun), 21(1): 34. doi:10.1186/s12979-024-00442-3
- Bhalla M, Herring S, Lenhard A, Wheeler JR, Aswad F, Klumpp K, Rebo J, Wang Y, Wilhelmsen K, Fortney K, Bou Ghanem EN. (2024) The prostaglandin D2 antagonist asapiprant ameliorates clinical severity in young hosts infected with invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae. Infection and immunity (May), 92(5): e0052223. doi:10.1128/iai.00522-23
- Herring SE, Mao S, Bhalla M, Tchalla EYI, Kramer JM, Bou Ghanem EN. (2022) Mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils is required for host antimicrobial function against Streptococcus pneumoniae and is controlled by A2B adenosine receptor signaling. PLoS pathogens (Nov), 18(11): e1010700.
- Lenhard A, Joma BH, Siwapornchai N, Hakansson AP, Leong JM, Bou Ghanem EN. (2022) A Mouse Model for Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae From Colonizer to Pathogen Upon Viral Co-infection Recapitulates Age-exacerbated Illness. J Vis Exp (Oct)(187) doi:doi:10.3791/64419
- Simmons SR, Tchalla EYI, Bhalla M, Bou Ghanem EN. (2022) The Age-Driven Decline in Neutrophil Function Contributes to the Reduced Efficacy of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Old Hosts. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology (Jan), 12: 849224. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.849224
- Bhalla M, Heinzinger LR, Morenikeji OB, Marzullo B, Thomas BN, Bou Ghanem EN. (2021) Transcriptome profiling reveals CD73 and age-driven changes in neutrophil responses against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Infection and immunity (Jul)IAI0025821.
- Walkowski W, Bassett J, Bhalla M, Pfeifer BA, Ghanem ENB. (2021) Intranasal Vaccine Delivery Technology for Respiratory Tract Disease Application with a Special Emphasis on Pneumococcal Disease. Vaccines (Jun), 9(6) doi:10.3390/vaccines9060589
- Joma BH, Siwapornchai N, Vanguri VK, Shrestha A, Roggensack SE, Davidson BA, Tai AK, Hakansson AP, Meydani SN, Leong JM, Bou Ghanem EN. (2021) A Murine Model for Enhancement of Streptococcus pneumoniae Pathogenicity Upon Viral Infection and Advanced Age. Infection and immunity (May)
- Simmons SR, Bhalla M, Herring SE, Tchalla EYI and Bou Ghanem EN. (2021) Older but not wiser: The age-driven changes in neutrophil responses during pulmonary infections. Infect Immun (Apr) doi:doi: 10.1128/IAI.00653-20
- Bhalla M, Nayerhoda R, Tchalla EYI, Abamonte A, Park D, Simmons SR, Pfeifer BA, Bou Ghanem EN. (2021) Liposomal Encapsulation of Polysaccharides (LEPS) as an Effective Vaccine Strategy to Protect Aged Hosts Against S. pneumoniae Infection. Frontiers in aging (Jan), 2 doi:10.3389/fragi.2021.798868
- Bhalla M, Simmons SR, Tchalla EYI, Bou Ghanem EN. (2021) Testing Anti-Pneumococcal Antibody Function Using Bacteria and Primary Neutrophils. Methods Mol Biol (Jan), 2183: 559-574.
- Bhalla M, Simmons SR, Abamonte A, Herring SE, Roggensack SE, Bou Ghanem EN. (2020) Extracellular adenosine signaling reverses the age-driven decline in the ability of neutrophils to kill Streptococcus pneumoniae. Aging Cell (Oct), 19(10): 13218-13218.
- Nayerhoda R, Park D, Jones C, Bou Ghanem EN, Pfeifer BA. (2020) Extended Polysaccharide Analysis within the Liposomal Encapsulation of Polysaccharides System. Materials (Basel) (Jul), 13(15)
- Tchalla EYI, Bhalla M, Wohlfert EA, Bou Ghanem EN. (2020) Neutrophils are required during immunization with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for protective antibody responses and host defense against infection. J Infect Dis (May)
- Siwapornchai N, Lee JN, Tchalla EYI, Bhalla M, Yeoh JH, Roggensack SE, Leong JM, Bou Ghanem EN. (2020) Extracellular adenosine enhances the ability of PMNs to kill Streptococcus pneumoniae by inhibiting IL-10 production. J Leukoc Biol (Feb)
- Adams W, Bhowmick R, Bou Ghanem EN, Wade K, Shchepetov M, Weiser JN, McCormick BA, Tweten RK, Leong JM. (2020) Pneumolysin Induces 12-Lipoxygenase-Dependent Neutrophil Migration during Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection. J Immunol (Jan), 204(1): 101-111.
- Bhalla M, Hui Yeoh J, Lamneck C, Herring SE, Tchalla EYI, Heinzinger LR, Leong JM, Bou Ghanem EN. (2019) A1 adenosine receptor signaling reduces Streptococcus pneumoniae adherence to pulmonary epithelial cells by targeting expression of platelet-activating factor receptor. Cell Microbiol (Nov)13141-13141.
- Nganje CN, Haynes SA, Qabar CM, Lent RC, Bou Ghanem EN, Shainheit MG. (2019) PepN is a non-essential, cell wall-localized protein that contributes to neutrophil elastase-mediated killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae. PLoS One (Feb), 14(2): 0211632-0211632.
- Bou Ghanem EN. (2019) mSphere of Influence: Adenosine in Host Defense against Bacterial Pneumonia-Friend or Foe?. mSphere (Jan), 4(4)
- Bou Ghanem EN, Maung NHT, Siwapornchai N, Goodwin AE, Clark S, Muñoz-ElÃas EJ, Camilli A, Gerstein RM, Leong JM. (2018) Nasopharyngeal Exposure to Streptococcus pneumoniae Induces Extended Age-Dependent Protection against Pulmonary Infection Mediated by Antibodies and CD138+ Cells. J Immunol (Apr)
- Bou Ghanem EN, Lee JN, Joma BH, Meydani SN, Leong JM, Panda A. (2017) The Alpha-Tocopherol Form of Vitamin E Boosts Elastase Activity of Human PMNs and Their Ability to KillStreptococcus pneumoniae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol (May), 7: 161-161.
- Flowers LJ, Bou Ghanem EN, Leong JM. (2016) Synchronous Disease Kinetics in a Murine Model for EnterohemorrhagicE. coliInfection Using Food-Borne Inoculation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol (Nov), 6: 138-138.
- Jones GS, Bussell KM, Myers-Morales T, Fieldhouse AM, Bou Ghanem EN, D‘Orazio SE. (2015) Intracellular Listeria monocytogenes comprises a minimal but vital fraction of the intestinal burden following foodborne infection. Infect Immun (Aug), 83(8): 3146-3156.
- Bou Ghanem EN, Clark S, Roggensack SE, McIver SR, Alcaide P, Haydon PG, Leong JM. (2015) Extracellular Adenosine Protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae Lung Infection by Regulating Pulmonary Neutrophil Recruitment. PLoS Pathog (Aug), 11(8): 1005126-1005126.
- Bou Ghanem EN, Clark S, Du X, Wu D, Camilli A, Leong JM, Meydani SN. (2015) The α-tocopherol form of vitamin E reverses age-associated susceptibility to streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection by modulating pulmonary neutrophil recruitment. J Immunol (Feb), 194(3): 1090-1099.
- Bhowmick R, Maung N, Hurley BP, Ghanem EB, Gronert K, McCormick BA, Leong JM. (2013) Systemic disease during Streptococcus pneumoniae acute lung infection requires 12-lipoxygenase-dependent inflammation. J Immunol (Nov), 191(10): 5115-5123.
- Bou Ghanem EN, Myers-Morales T, D‘Orazio SE. (2013) A mouse model of foodborne Listeria monocytogenes infection. Curr Protoc Microbiol (Nov), 31: 9-9.
- Bou Ghanem EN, Myers-Morales T, Jones GS, D‘Orazio SE. (2013) Oral transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in mice via ingestion of contaminated food. J Vis Exp (May)(75): 50381-50381.
- Bou Ghanem EN, Jones GS, Myers-Morales T, Patil PD, Hidayatullah AN, D‘Orazio S. (2012) InlA promotes dissemination of Listeria monocytogenes to the mesenteric lymph nodes during food borne infection of mice. PLoS Pathog (Nov), 8(11): 1003015-1003015.
- Bou Ghanem EN, D‘Orazio SE. (2011) Human CD8+ T cells display a differential ability to undergo cytokine-driven bystander activation. Cell Immunol (Sep), 272(1): 79-86.
- Bou Ghanem EN, Nelson CC, D'Orazio SE, Bou Ghanem E. (2011) T cell-intrinsic factors contribute to the differential ability of CD8+ T cells to rapidly secrete IFN-γ in the absence of antigen. J Immunol (Feb), 186(3): 1703-1712.
- Bou Ghanem EN, McElroy DS, D‘Orazio SE. (2009) Multiple mechanisms contribute to the robust rapid gamma interferon response by CD8+ T cells during Listeria monocytogenes infection. Infect Immun (Apr), 77(4): 1492-1501.
- El Ghaoui WB, Ghanem EB, Chedid LA, Abdelnoor AM. (2008) The effects of Alcea rosea L., Malva sylvestris L. and Salvia libanotica L. water extracts on the production of anti-egg albumin antibodies, interleukin-4, gamma interferon and interleukin-12 in BALB/c mice. Phytother Res (Dec), 22(12): 1599-1604.
- Hollifield M, Bou Ghanem E, de Villiers WJ, Garvy BA. (2007) Scavenger receptor A dampens induction of inflammation in response to the fungal pathogen Pneumocystis carinii. Infect Immun (Aug), 75(8): 3999-4005.
Abstracts:
- Shaunna R. SimmonsSand Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Changes in neutrophil signaling pathways control pneumococcal killing in vaccinated aged hosts. Society for Leukocyte Biology 57th Annual Meeting. East Lansing, Michigan (Oct) Poster
- Michael Battaglia, Manmeet Bhalla, Brandon Marzullo, Murat Can Kalem, Lee Ann Garrett-Sinha and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Transcriptional changes in metabolism and differentiation alter PMN responses to S. pneumoniae with age. Society for Leukocyte Biology 57th Annual Meeting. East Lansing, Michigan (Oct) Oral
- Rania Hassan, Michael Battaglia and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) The effect of mesenchymal stromal cells soluble factors on neutrophil antibacterial function from young and aged hosts. Society for Leukocyte Biology 57th Annual Meeting. East Lansing, Michigan (Oct) Poster
- Anagha Betadpur, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Sex-based differences in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine efficacy. Upstate New York Immunology Conference. Cooperstown, New York (Oct) Poster; Oral
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil, Manmeet Bhalla Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Neutrophils control T cell response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Society for Leukocyte Biology 57th Annual Meeting. East Lansing, Michigan (Oct) Oral
- Manmeet Bhalla, Miles Stefko, Roozbeh Nayerhoda, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Alexsandra LenhardS, Dongwon Park, Shaunna R. Simmons, Elena Lopez, Justin Bassett, Blaine A. Pfeifer and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Liposomal encapsulation of polysaccharide (LEPS) as an effective vaccine strategy to protect aged hosts against S. pneumoniae infection. World Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance and Vaccine Development. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sep) Poster
- Michael Battaglia, Manmeet Bhalla, Brandon Marzullo, Murat Can Kalem, Lee Ann Garrett-Sinha and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Transcriptional changes in metabolism and differentiation alter PMN responses to S. pneumoniae with age. 14th Annual UB Postdoctoral Research Symposium. Buffalo, New York (Sep) Poster
- Alexsandra Lenhard, Basma H. Joma, Nalat Siwapornchai, Anders P. Hakansson, Bruce Davidson, John M. Leong and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Immune responses during transition of pneumococci from colonizers to pathogens. 2024 Streptococcal GRC. Newry, Maine (Aug) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Miles Stefko, Roozbeh Nayerhoda, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Alexsandra Lenhard, Dongwon Park, Shaunna R. Simmons, Elena Lopez, Justin Bassett, Blaine A. Pfeifer and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Liposomal encapsulation of polysaccharide (LEPS) as an effective vaccine strategy to protect aged hosts against S. pneumoniae infection. 2024 Streptococcal GRC. Newry, Maine (Aug) Poster
- Alexsandra Lenhard, Basma H. Joma, Nalat Siwapornchai, Anders P. Hakansson, John M. Leong and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Immune responses during transition of pneumococci from colonizers to pathogens. 34th Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Shaunna R. Simmons and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Changes in neutrophil signaling pathways control pneumococcal killing in vaccinated aged hosts. 34th Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Anagha Betadpur, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Age-associated decline in immune responses to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. 34th Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Anagha Betadpur, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Age-associated decline in immune responses to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. 34th Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Michael Battaglia, Manmeet Bhalla, Brandon Marzullo, Murat Can Kalem, Lee Ann Garrett-Sinha and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Transcriptional changes in metabolism and differentiation alter PMN responses to S. pneumoniae with age. 34th Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Miles Stefko, Roozbeh Nayerhoda, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Alexsandra Lenhard, Dongwon Park, Shaunna R. Simmons, Elena Lopez, Justin Bassett, Blaine A. Pfeifer and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Liposomal encapsulation of polysaccharide (LEPS) as an effective vaccine strategy to protect aged hosts against S. pneumoniae infection. 34th Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Neutrophils control T cell response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. 34th Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Roozbeh Nayerhoda, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Alexsandra Abamonte, Elena Lopez, Justin Bassett, Dongwon Park, Shaunna R. SimmonsS, Miles StefkoS Blaine A. Pfeifer and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Liposomal encapsulation of polysaccharide as an effective vaccine strategy to protect aged hosts against S. pneumoniae infection. 13th International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases. Cape Town, (Mar) Poster
- Alexsandra Lenhard, Basma H. Joma, Nalat Siwapornchai, Anders P. Hakansson, John M. Leong and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2024) Immune responses during transition of pneumococci from colonizers to pathogens. Acute Respiratory Infections GRC, Galveston. Galveston, Texas (Feb) Poster
- Alexsandra Lenhard, Basma H. Joma, Nalat Siwapornchai, Anders P. Hakansson, John M. Leong and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Immune responses during transition of pneumococci from colonizers to pathogens. Society for Leukocyte Biology 56th Annual Meeting. Athens, Georgia (Sep) Poster; Oral
- Shaunna R. Simmons, Sydney E. Herring, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Alexsandra Lenhard, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Adenosine signaling boosts neutrophil recruitment in pneumococcal infected aged hosts. Society for Leukocyte Biology 56th Annual Meeting. Athens, Georgia (Sep) Poster; Oral
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Neutrophils control T cell response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Society for Leukocyte Biology 56th Annual Meeting. Athens, Georgia (Sep) Poster; Oral
- Anagha Betadpur, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Sex-based differences in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine efficacy. Society for Leukocyte Biology 56th Annual Meeting. Athens, Georgia (Sep) Poster; Oral
- Manmeet Bhalla, Vijay R. Ravi, Alexsandra Lenhard, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Jennifer K. Lang and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) CD73 expression on neutrophils protects against cardiomyocyte damage during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. ASM Microbe. Houston, Texas (Jun) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Anagha Betadpur, Andrew Y, Khalil and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Sex-based differences in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine efficacy. 33rd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Shaunna R. Simmons, Sydney E. Herring, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Alexsandra Lenhard, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) A1 adenosine receptor signaling boosts PMN pulmonary recruitment in aged mice following S. pneumoniae infection. 33rd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Alexsandra Lenhard, Basma H. Joma, Nalat Siwapornchai, Anders P. Hakansson, John M. Leong and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) A murine model for the transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from colonizer to pathogen. 33rd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Vijay R. Ravi, Alexsandra Lenhard, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Jennifer K. Lang and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) CD73 expression on neutrophils protects against cardiomyocyte damage during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. 33rd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Neutrophils control T cell response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. 33rd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Neutrophils control T cell response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. 1st Annual JSMBS Community Research Day. Buffalo, New York (Apr) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Vijay R. Ravi, Alexsandra Lenhard, Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Jennifer K. Lang and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) CD73 expression on neutrophils protects against cardiomyocyte damage during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. 1st Annual JSMBS Community Research Day. Buffalo, New York (Apr) Poster
- Shaunna R. Simmons, Sydney E. Herring, Essi Y.I. Tchalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) A1 adenosine receptor signaling boosts PMN pulmonary recruitment in aged mice following S. pneumoniae infection. 1st Annual JSMBS Community Research Day. Buffalo, New York (Apr) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Andrew Y, Khalil, Anagha Betadpur, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Sex-based differences in immune responses to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. UB Celebration of Academic Excellence. Buffalo, New York (Apr) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Neutrophils control T cell response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Midwinter Conference of Immunologists. Monterey Bay, California (Jan) Poster
- Sydney E. Herring, Sovathiro Mao, Jill M. Kramer, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2023) Mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils is required for host antimicrobial function against Streptococcus pneumoniae and is controlled by A2B adenosine receptor signaling. Midwinter Conference of Immunologists. Monterey Bay, California (Jan) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Roozbeh Nayerhoda, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Alexsandra Abamonte, Dongwon Park, Shaunna R. Simmons, Blaine A. Pfeifer and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Liposomal encapsulation of polysaccharide as an effective vaccine strategy to protect aged hosts against S. pneumoniae infection. Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection GRS & GRC. Ventura, California (Sep) Poster
- Sydney E. Herring, Sovathiro Mao, Jill M. Kramer, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils is required for host antimicrobial function against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection GRC. Ventura, California (Sep) Poster
- Brian S. Learman, Alexsandra P. Lenhard, Benjamin C. Hunt, Aimee L. Brauer, Elsa N. Bou Ghanem, Chelsie E. Armbruster. (2022) Elucidating the role of genetics in host susceptibility to urinary tract infection using collaborative cross mice. Urinary Tract Infection Global Alliance 4th Clinical and Scientific Advances UTI Conference (Virtual). (Jul)
- Manmeet Bhalla, Roozbeh Nayerhoda, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Alexsandra Abamonte, Dongwon Park, Shaunna R. Simmons, Blaine A. Pfeifer and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Liposomal encapsulation of polysaccharide as an effective vaccine strategy to protect aged hosts against S. pneumoniae infection. 12th International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases. Toronto, (Jul) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Neutrophils control T cell response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. 32nd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Vijay R. Ravi, Jennifer K. Lang and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) The role of neutrophils in cardiac damage during pneumococcal endocarditis. 32nd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster; Oral
- Alexsandra Lenhard, Manmeet Bhalla, Brian S. Learman, Chelsie E. Armbruster, Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Elucidating the role of genetics in host susceptibility to S. pneumoniae infection using cross-collaborative mice. 32nd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Tariq A. Bhat, Manmeet Bhalla, Maciej L. Goniewicz, Elsa N. Bou Ghanem and Yasmin Thanavala. (2022) Vaping Juul results in lung damage, inflammatory changes and impairs pulmonary clearance of S. pneumoniae infection. 32nd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Shaunna R. Simmons, Sydney E. Herring, Essi Y.I. Tchalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) A1 adenosine receptor signaling reverses the age-driven impairment in PMN recruitment following S. pneumoniae infection. 32nd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Vijay R. Ravi, Manmeet Bhalla, Jennifer K. Lang and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Extracellular adenosine regulates cardiomyocyte toxicity following infection with S. pneumoniae. 32nd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Thejaswini Giridharan, Sora Suzuki, Tiffany Emmons, ANM Nazmul Khan, Michael B. Yaffe, Emese Zsiros, Kunle Odunsi, Manmeet Bhalla, Elsa N. Bou Ghanem, Brahm H Segal. (2022) Role of the extracellular ATP/adenosine pathway in neutrophil-mediated T cell suppression in ovarian cancer microenvironment. American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Meeting. Portland, Oregon (May) Poster; Oral
- Andrew Y. Khalil, Essi Y. I. Tchalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) CD73 is required for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine mediated protection against S. pneumoniae infection. 32nd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Sydney E. Herring, Sovathiro Mao, Jill M. Kramer, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils is required for host resistance against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Eastern NY ASM Virtual Meeting. (Mar) Oral
- Emily Smith, Shaunna R. Simmons, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2022) Activation of MAPK ERK1/2 in neutrophils from young versus aged hosts following S. pneumoniae infection. (Jan) Poster
- Sydney E. Herring, Jill M. Kramer, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) A2B adenosine receptor signaling impairs host resistance against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by inhibiting mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils. Junior Awards in Microbiology (JAM) Series Talk, ASM, Virtual. (Nov) Oral
- Alexsandra P. Abamonte, Manmeet Bhalla, Brian S. Learman, Chelsie E. Armbruster and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Elucidating the role of genetics in host susceptibility to S. pneumoniae infection using cross-collaborative mice. Upstate New York Immunology Conference. (Oct) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Neutrophils induce protective antibody response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in an interferon gamma independent manner. Upstate New York Immunology Conference. (Oct) Poster; Oral
- Shaunna R. Simmons, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) The age-driven decline in neutrophil function leaves vaccinated aged hosts susceptible to pneumococcal pneumonia. Upstate New York Immunology Conference. (Oct) Poster; Oral
- Sydney E. Herring, Jill M. Kramer, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils is important for host antimicrobial function against Streptococcus pneumoniae and is controlled by A2B adenosine receptor signaling. Upstate New York Immunology Conference. (Oct) Poster; Oral
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Neutrophils induce protective antibody response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in an interferon gamma independent manner. Black in Microbiology Week, Black Microbiologists Association. (Sep) Poster
- Sydney E. Herring, Jill M. Kramer, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) A2B adenosine receptor signaling impairs host resistance against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by inhibiting mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils. Virtual FASEB Microbial Pathogenesis Meeting. (Jul) Poster
- Emily Smith, Shaunna R. Simmons, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Activation of MAPK ERK1/2 in neutrophils from young versus aged hosts following S. pneumoniae infection. T35 program: Training the Next Generation of Physician Scientists, University at Buffalo. (Jul) Poster; Oral
- Shaunna R. Simmons, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Neutrophil immumosenescence leaves vaccinated aged hosts susceptible to pneumococcal pneumonia. Society for Leukocyte Biology 54th Annual Meeting. (Jul) Oral
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Neutrophils promote antibody isotype switching in response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine independently of interferon gamma. Society for Leukocyte Biology 54th Annual Meeting. (Jul) Oral
- Manmeet Bhalla, Lauren Heinzinger, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) Transcriptome profiling reveals CD73 and age-driven changes in neutrophil responses against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Neutrophil 2021. (Jun) Oral
- Lauren Heinzinger, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) RNA-sequencing reveals age-driven changes in neutrophil transcriptional profiles in response to S. pneumoniae infection. Department of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Symposium, University at Buffalo. (May) Poster
- Lauren Heinzinger, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) RNA-sequencing reveals CD73 and age-driven changes in neutrophil responses against S. pneumoniae infection. SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC). (Apr) Oral
- Lauren Heinzinger, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2021) RNA-sequencing reveals age-driven changes in neutrophil transcriptional profiles in response to S. pneumoniae infection. Celebration of Student Academic Excellence, University at Buffalo. (Apr) Oral
- Lauren Heinzinger, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) RNA-sequencing reveals a role of JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway in age-driven impairment of PMN antimicrobial function. Virtual Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). (Nov) Poster
- Essi Y.I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla, Elizabeth A. Wohlfert and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) Neutrophils promote antibody isotype switching in response to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in an interferon gamma-independent manner. Cytokines Virtual Meeting. (Nov) Oral
- Manmeet Bhalla, Lauren Heinzinger and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) JNK/AP-1 signaling contributes to the impairment in S. pneumoniae killing by neutrophils in aged hosts. Society for Leukocyte Biology Virtual Trainee Symposium. (Oct) Oral
- Manmeet Bhalla, Shaunna R. Simmons, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Catherine Wrona, Robin Stein, Sanjay Sethi and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) The role of extracellular adenosine signaling in the age-driven decline in neutrophil function. Virtual CTSI Pilot Studies Colloquium. (Oct) Poster
- Shaunna R. Simmons, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) Neutrophil immumosenescence leaves aged hosts susceptible to bacterial pneumonia despite vaccination. Virtual Mechanisms of Aging Meeting, Cold Spring Harbor. (Sep) Poster
- Sydney E. Herring, Manmeet Bhalla, Jun Hui Yeoh, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) A2B adenosine receptor signaling impairs host resistance against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Virtual Streptococcal Trainee Symposium. (Sep) Oral
- Manmeet Bhalla, Shaunna R. Simmons, Alexsandra Abomonte, Sydney E. Herring and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) A1 adenosine receptor signaling reverses the age-driven impairment in PMN anti-pneumococcal function. Virtual Streptococcal Trainee Symposium. (Sep) Oral
- Lauren Heinzinger, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) RNA-sequencing reveals a role of JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway in age-driven impairment of PMN antimicrobial function. UCLA Virtual National McNair Conference. (Jul) Poster; Oral
- Lauren Heinzinger, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) JNK/AP-1 signaling contributes to the impairment in S. pneumoniae killing by neutrophils in aged hosts. Celebration of Student Academic Excellence, online gallery, University at Buffalo. (May) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Jun Hui Yeoh, Sydney E. Herring, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Lauren Heinzinger and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2020) A1 adenosine receptor signaling shapes bacterial epithelial cell interaction and host susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. GRC Acute Respiratory Infections. Galveston, Texas (Feb) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Jun Hui Yeoh, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Sydney E. Herring and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2019) Extracellular adenosine signaling reverses the age-driven decline in the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae. Upstate New York Immunology Conference. Cooperstown, New York (Oct) Poster; Oral
- Sydney E. Herring, Manmeet Bhalla, Jun Hui Yeoh, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2019) The role of A2B adenosine receptor in Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Upstate New York Immunology Conference. Cooperstown, New York (Oct) Poster
- Jun Yeoh Hui, Claire Lamneck, Manmeet Bhalla, John M. Leong and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2019) Extracellular adenosine inhibits binding of Streptococcus pneumoniae to lung epithelial cells. 31st Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Sydney E. Herring, Manmeet Bhalla, Jun Hui Yeoh, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2019) The role of A2A adenosine receptor in Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. 31st Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Shauna Simmons, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2019) Both complement and antibody-mediated opsonophagocytic killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae by PMNs decline with age. 31st Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Manmeet Bhalla, Jun Hui Yeoh, Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Sydney E. Herring and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2019) Extracellular adenosine signaling reverses the age-driven decline in the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae. 31st Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
- Essi Y. I. Tchalla, Manmeet Bhalla and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2019) Neutrophils are required for induction of protective memory responses following vaccination with the anti-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevnar-13. 31st Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis. Buffalo, New York (May)
- Nalat Siwapornchai, James N. Lee, Essi Tchalla, Sara E. Roggensack, John M. Leong and Elsa N. Bou Ghanem. (2018) Extracellular adenosine enhances the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae by blunting IL-10 production. Society for Leukocyte Biology 51st Annual Meeting. Chandler, Arizona (Oct) Poster; Oral
Professional Memberships:
- American Association of Immunologists (AAI) (2021–present)
- Society for Leukocyte Biology (SLB) (2017–present)
- American Society for Microbiology (ASM) (2014–present)
- Association of Women in Science (AWIS) (2014–2017)
- American Society of Nutrition (ASN) (2012–2015)
- American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) (2012–2015)
Presentations:
- "Changes in neutrophil-pneumococcal interactions during aging" Building Bridges in Leukocyte Biology Webinar (2024)
- "The role of damage in the outcome of host-pneumococcal interactions" Department of Biochemistry, Seminar Series (2024)
- "A murine model for enhancement of Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogenicity upon viral infection and advanced age" Infectious Diseases Research Conference (2023)
- "How can we improve our immunity against infections as we grow older? Targeting neutrophil responses against pneumococcal pneumonia" Buffalo State, Great Lakes-Biology Seminar Series (2023)
- "The effect of age and pneumococcal infection on neutrophil responses" Society for Leukocyte Biology 56th Annual Meeting (2023)
- "Neutrophil responses against S. pneumoniae infection in aged hosts" The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Microbiology Seminar Series (2023)
- "Neutrophils control T cell responses to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine" Phagocytes Gordon Conference (2023)
- "Age-driven changes in neutrophil responses during infection and vaccination" Stanford University, Immunology Seminar Series (2023)
- "A2B adenosine Receptors control ROSponse to Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection" Infectious Diseases Research Conference University at Buffalo (2022)
- "Targeting PMNs against pneumococcal infection: The role of extracellular adenosine signaling" University of Rochester, Department of Microbiology and Immunology Seminar Series (2022)
- "A2B adenosine receptors control PMN ROSponses to S. pneumoniae infection" University of Louisville, Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases Seminar Series (2022)
- "Targeting PMNs against pneumococcal infection: The role of extracellular adenosine signaling" Society of Leukocyte Biology 55th Annual Meeting (2022)
- "Host-directed Interventions Against Pneumococcal Infection: The Role of Extracellular Adenosine Signaling" Streptococcal Biology Gordan Conference (2022)
- "A Murine Model for Enhancement of S. pneumoniae Pathogenicity Upon Viral Infection and Advanced Age" JoVE host-pathogen interactions in the respiratory tract Webinar (2022)
- "How can we boost our ability to fight lung infections as we age?" San Jose State University Department of Biological Sciences Seminar Series (2022)
- "The role of the extracellular adenosine pathway in the age-driven decline in neutrophil function" Infectious Diseases Research Conference University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA (2021)
- "How can we boost our ability to fight lung infections as we age?" PPBS Recruitment Webinar for John St. Fisher students, PPBS program, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA. (2021)
- "My Scientific Journey: Extracellular adenosine, PMNs and aging" CSTEP Forum Career Pathways in Medicine: Bacterial Pathogenesis, CSTEP Program, Monroe Community College, Brighton, NY, USA (2021)
- "The role of the extracellular adenosine pathway in the age-driven decline in neutrophil function" Clinical and Translational Research Virtual Colloquium (2021)
- "My Scientific Journey: Extracellular adenosine, PMNs and aging" Seminar for the T35 Training the Next Generation of Physician Scientist Program, Clinical and Translational Research Center, University at Buffalo (2021)
- "My Scientific Journey: Extracellular adenosine, PMNs and aging" BIO-STEM scientific Discovery series for students in CLIMB UP /iSEED summer research program, University at Buffalo (2021)
- "The role of neutrophils and the extracellular adenosine pathway in the susceptibility of aged hosts to pneumococcal pneumonia" USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Spring Colloquium Series (2021)
- "My Scientific Journey: Extracellular adenosine, PMNs and aging" Biology Honors Program (2021)
- "The role of neutrophils in anti-pneumococcal vaccine responses" Infectious Diseases; Weekly Research Conference; University at Buffalo (2020)
- "Neutrophil responses against S. pneumoniae in aged hosts" Virtual Aging Science Talk; organized by the Lamming and Mair laboratories with support from the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research (2020)
- "Neutrophil responses to S. pneumoniae in aged hosts" Virtual Streptococcal Seminar Series; organized by the Doran laboratory at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in lieu of the 2020 Streptococcal Biology Gordan Research Conference (2020)
- "The role of neutrophils in the age-driven decline of anti-pneumococcal vaccine responses" Department of Microbiology and Immunology Research Exchange; University at Buffalo (2020)
- "Targeting the extracellular adenosine pathway to control S. pneumoniae infection in aged hosts" Department Seminar; Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Department of Immunology (2020)
- "Extracellular adenosine signaling reverses the age-driven decline in the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae" Society for Leukocyte Biology 52nd Annual Meeting (2019)
- "Targeting the extracellular adenosine pathway to control S. pneumoniae infection in aged hosts" Healthy Aging at Tufts; Tufts University; Research Day (2019)
- "Extracellular adenosine regulates mucosal immunity in the lungs by controlling the anti-microbial activity of PMNs during pneumococcal by blunting IL-10 production" Latin-American Mucosal Immunology Meeting; Society of Mucosal Immunology; Society for Leukocyte Biology Symposium (2019)
- "How PMNs & Extracellular adenosine shape age-driven susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection" Infectious Diseases; Weekly Research Conference; University at Buffalo (2019)
- "Extracellular adenosine enhances the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae by blunting IL-10 production" Society for Leukocyte Biology 51st Annual Meeting (2018)
- "Extracellular adenosine enhances the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae by blunting IL-10 production" Upstate New York Immunology Conference (2018)
- "How aging & extracellular adenosine shape neutrophil responses during Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection" Department Seminar; Department of Oral Biology; University at Buffalo (2018)
- "The role of neutrophils and extracellular adenosine in shaping age-driven susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection" Society for Leukocyte Biology 50th Annual Meeting (2017)
- "How aging and extracellular adenosine shape PMN responses during S. pneumoniae lung infection" Department Seminar; Department of Microbiology and Immunology; University of Illinois at Chicago (2016)
- "How aging and extracellular adenosine shape PMN responses during S. pneumoniae lung infection" Department Seminar; Department of Microbial pathogenesis and Immunology; Texas A&M Health Science Center (2015)
- "How aging and extracellular adenosine shape PMN responses during S. pneumoniae lung infection" Department Seminar; Department of Microbiology; University of Iowa (2015)
- "How aging and extracellular adenosine shape PMN responses during S. pneumoniae lung infection" Department Seminar; University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston; Department of Microbiology (2015)
- "The role of immune-modulatory extracellular adenosine in resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection" Rheumatology grand rounds; Tufts University (2014)
- "Vitamin E boosts resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in aged mice by inhibiting hepoxilin A3-mediated neutrophil recruitment across the lung epithelium" Experimental Biology Conference (2014)
- "Extracellular adenosine, an immune modulator that promotes resistance to invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection" FASEB Snow Mas Microbial Pathogenesis Meeting (2013)
- "Extracellular adenosine, an immune modulator that promotes resistance to invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection" Department of Microbiology Departmental 50th Anniversary Symposium; Tufts University (2013)
- "Vitamin E reverses age-associated susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection" Experimental Biology Conference (2013)
- "Differential ability of CD8+ T cells to rapidly secrete IFNγ during Listeria monocytogenes infection" Midwinter Conference of Immunologists (2011)
- "Rapid IFNγ secretion by human CD8+ T cells exposed to Listeria monocytogenes" Autumn Immunology Conference (2009)
- "A T cell intrinsic factor contributes to the differential IFNγ response observed during Listeria monocytogenes infection" Autumn Immunology Conference (2008)
- "Rapid IFNγ response by CD8+ T cells during Listeria infection" Autumn Immunology Conference (2007)
Service Activities:
- CTSI Professional Development Series, Managing Grant Budgets Panel; Panelist (2024)
- ; Basic Science Representative to the Executive Committee (2024–2025)
- ; Faculty Council Steering Committee member (2024–2025)
- ; Faculty Council member (2024–2023)
- UK Research and Innovation; Grant Reviewer (2023–2024)
- Ad Hoc Reviewer, Vaccines Against Microbial Disease (VDM) Study Section, NIH; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2023)
- Primary reviewer for the PPBS admissions committee; Primary reviewer for the PPBS admissions committee (2023–present)
- Grant Reviewer, Icelandic Research Fund; Grant Reviewer (2023)
- Milgrom Fellowship Committee. This committee is to elect a yearly recipient of the Milgrom Fellowship for Excellence in Postdoctoral research in the Microbiology and Immunology Department; Milgrom Fellowship Committee. (2023)
- Ad Hoc Reviewer, Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1), Member Conflict: Topics in vaccine for infectious diseases and vector biology; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2023)
- ASM Microbe “How to Write a Review” Panel; Panelist (2023)
- Society for Leukocyte Biology “Financial Skills for Lab Management” Webinar; Panelist (2023)
- Grant Reviewer, Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute Pilot Studies Program; Reviewer (2023)
- Ad Hoc. Reviewer, Special Emphasis Panel (ZAI1), Investigator Initiated Clinical Trials (R34, U01, U44), NIAID; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2023)
- Reviewer, iSEED/ CLIMB UP Summer Program Admissions; Reviewer (2023)
- Society for Leukocyte Biology Associate Councilor; Associate Councilor (2023–2024)
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty Search Committee; Committee Member (2022–present)
- Interview committee for the JSMBS Lab Animal Facility Supervisor (2022)
- Biology of Acute Respiratory Infections Gordon Research Seminar Mentorship Panel “Landing your Dream Job: Academia and beyond”; Mentorship Panel (2022)
- JSMBS Strategic Planning Research (Basic Science) Committee (2022–present)
- Journal of Leukocyte Biology; Editorial board member (2022–present)
- Ad Hoc. Reviewer, ZRG1 Study Section, NIH; Ad Hoc. Reviewer (2022)
- Poster Competition Judge at the 16th Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program Summer Research Poster Symposium; Poster Judge (2022)
- Grant Reviewer, Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute Pilot Studies Program; Reviewer (2022)
- Ad Hoc. Reviewer, Innate Immunity and Inflammation (III) Study Section, NIH; Ad Hoc. Reviewer (2022)
- Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Culture (DICE) Faculty and Staff leadership group; Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Culture (DICE) Faculty and Staff leadership group (2022)
- JSMBS Dean’s Research Focus Group; JSMBS Dean’s Research Focus Group (2022)
- Medical Student Research Forum Poster Judge; Poster Judge (2022)
- Infection and Immunity; Editorial board member (2022–present)
- Secondary reviewer for the PPBS admissions committee; Secondary reviewer for the PPBS admissions committee (2021–2023)
- Ad Hoc. Reviewer, ZRG1 Study Section, NIH; Ad Hoc. Reviewer (2021)
- Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Research Topic: Transmission, colonization, and molecular pathogenesis of pneumococcus.; Guest Editor (2021–2022)
- AGCD-1 K99 Study Section, NIH; Ad Hoc. Reviewer (2021)
- Society for Leukocyte Biology; Professional Development Committee member. The role of the committee is to plan activities and propose programs that enhance the benefit of professional development to the membership with special emphasis on the young investigators.; Society for Leukocyte Biology; Professional Development Committee member. (2020–2023)
- Ad Hoc. Reviewer, VDM Study Section, NIH; Ad Hoc. Reviewer (2020)
- Institute for Enhancement of Educational Diversity (iSEED) Program Academic Mentor; Mentor (2020–present)
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ representative on the UB Faculty Senate; UB Faculty Senate (2020–2022)
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology Diversity Advocate; Diversity Advocate (2020–present)
- Ad Hoc. Reviewer, Medical Research Council, United Kingdom; Ad Hoc. Reviewer (2020)
- McNair Scholars Program - Summer Mentor; McNair Scholars Program - Summer Mentor (2020)
- MIC501 Syllabus Committee. This committee is to put together a syllabus for MIC501 - Microbial Biology and Biotechnology, which is an introduction course for the Microbiology and Immunology Master’s program; MIC501 Syllabus Committee (2020)
- Guest Editor: 2019 Latin-American Mucosal Immunology Meeting issue, Journal of Leukocyte Biology; Guest Editor (2019–2020)
- Milgrom Fellowship Committee. This committee is to elect a yearly recipient of the Milgrom Fellowship for Excellence in Postdoctoral research in the Microbiology and Immunology Department; Milgrom Fellowship Committee (2019)
- Poster Competition Judge at the 13th Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program Summer Research Poster Symposium; Poster Competition Judge (2019)
- Neter Award Judge. This committee is to elect a recipient of the Neter Award given to a graduate student that presented a talk at the Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis; Neter Award Judge (2019)
- Poster Competition Judge at the 11th UB Postdoc Research Symposium; Poster Competition Judge (2019)
- Gorzynski Travel Award Committee. This committee is to elect, a yearly recipient, of the Gorzynski Travel Award given to graduate students in the Microbiology and Immunology Department; Gorzynski Travel Award Committee (2019)
- Stinson Award Committee. This committee is to elect a yearly recipient of the Stinson Award for Excellence in Dissertation Research given to a graduate student in the Microbiology and Immunology Department; Stinson Award Committee (2019)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Affairs Committee; Graduate Affairs Committee (2019–2023)
- Organized Departmental Immunology Journal Club; Organized Departmental Immunology Journal Club (2019)
- The Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis Organizing Committee; Microbial Pathogenesis Organizing Committee (2019–present)
- Ad Hoc. Reviewer, Medical Research Council, United Kingdom; Ad Hoc. Reviewer (2018)
- Poster Competition Judge at the 10th UB Postdoc Research Symposium; Poster Competition Judge (2018)
- Neter Award Judge. This committee is to elect a recipient of the Neter Award given to a graduate student that presented a talk at the Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis; Neter Award Judge. (2018)
- Gorzynski Travel Award Committee. This committee is to elect, a yearly recipient, of the Gorzynski Travel Award given to graduate students in the Microbiology and Immunology Department; Gorzynski Travel Award Committee. (2018)
- Association of Women in Science Mentoring Circles; Career Mentor; Career Mentor (2014–2016)
- mSphere; Infection and Immunity; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Microbes and Infection; Journal of Infectious Diseases; Plos Pathogens; Frontiers in Microbiology, Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Frontiers in Immunology; Virulence; iScience; EMBO; eLife; Ad Hoc. Reviewer