Debanjan Mukhopadhyay

Assistant Professor

Host-pathogen interaction and innate immunity lab

Our lab explores the fascinating paradox of the innate immune system—a powerful first line of defense that keeps us healthy despite constant exposure to pathogens through breathing, touch, and food. Professional immune cells like macrophages and non-professional cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts normally act as natural predators of microbes. Yet, intriguingly, many pathogens have evolved to not only survive but also thrive inside these very cells.

We aim to uncover how cellular tropism governs intracellular pathogen growth and how cell-intrinsic innate immunity, shaped by genetic and epigenetic regulation, determines infection outcomes. Specifically, we ask:

1. How do different innate immune cells eliminate intracellular pathogens?

2. What strategies do pathogens use to co-opt host cells and establish replicative niches?

3. How can we rearm host defense systems to eradicate pathogens within?

To answer these questions, we integrate cell type–specific transcriptomics with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to define the functions of innate immune genes in infection. In parallel, we investigate key pathogen-encoded fitness factors that enable survival under diverse immune pressures.

Our ultimate goal is to decode the molecular cross-talk between pathogens and innate immune cells—knowledge that may inspire new strategies to harness and strengthen host defenses against infectious disease.

Additionally, in our lab, we are passionate about unraveling the mysteries of cell fate during cytokine storms. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a cornerstone of physiological balance, yet its dysregulation lies at the core of many diseases. In cancer, cells evade death and gain immortality—something we aim to reverse for effective therapy. Conversely, in inflammatory disorders spanning both communicable and non-communicable diseases, excessive cell death becomes destructive, and here our goal shifts toward preserving cell survival and restoring tissue function. Positioned at this fascinating crossroads of “life and death,” our research strives to decode how cells can be guided—to die when they should and to survive when they must.

Here also, we use transcriptomics, patient data, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and other approches to know more.

My lab is still at its early face (3rd year) at the Institute of Health Sciences, Presidency University. If you are passionate about innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction or in cell death research you can apply for Ph.D. (having UGC-CSIR/ICMR/DBT fellowship) and write to me at debanjan.ihs@presiuniv.ac.in

Postdoctoral candidates who have their own grants or are willing to apply for a grant should apply with a write-up explaining their area of expertise at debanjan.ihs@presiuniv.ac.in

Address

Presidency University,
86/1 College Street, Kolkata - 700073,
West Bengal, India

Download CV
Email: debanjan.ihs at presiuniv.ac.in
alternate E-mail: debmicro543 at gmail.com

How to Find Us

Presidency University
(Main Campus)

86/1 College Street
Kolkata 700073

Presidency University
(2nd Campus)

Plot No. DG/02/02,
Premises No. 14-0358, Action Area-ID
New Town
(Near Biswa Bangla Convention Centre)
Kolkata-700156
Contact details Presidency University Students Corner

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