Philosophy of Care

As a cellular microbiologist, my work uses microbial pathogenesis as a lens to understand fundamental host cellular processes and to develop new therapeutic strategies. My laboratory studies how bacterial pathogens—especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa—interact with host immune responses during wound infection and how dysregulation of these responses contributes to chronic disease. Our research integrates microbiology, immunology, and translational approaches to identify mechanisms that impair infection control and healing and to develop new therapies to address these problems. Overall, the goal of my research program is to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern host–microbe interactions and to translate these discoveries into new therapies that improve infection control and tissue repair.

Research/Academic Interests

Shafikhani's research strategy involves leveraging insights from pathogen studies to enhance the understanding of host cellular processes. His lab primarily focuses on identifying the virulence mechanisms that drive Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis in wound infections, as well as investigating the eukaryotic host responses aimed at controlling these infections.

Additionally, Shafikhani's team uses bacterial toxins as molecular tools to explore critical mammalian cellular processes, including cytokinesis, apoptotic programmed cell death, and apoptotic compensatory proliferation signaling.

Recent projects in the lab are centered on identifying the dysfunctional mechanisms that make diabetic wounds susceptible to infection and impair their healing processes. Additionally, the lab is working to develop antibiotic-free strategies to control surgical site infections. The laboratory researchers also study the virulence strategies used by bacterial pathogens to evade innate immune defenses. Through these studies, researchers have identified key host signaling pathways involved in recognizing bacterial virulence systems and activating inflammasome-mediated immune responses.

Center/Program Affiliation

Institute for Regenerative Cures