About
Dr. Seraphina Okafor's research at Duke focuses on how endogenous peptides shape innate immune responses. Her discoveries on defensin regulation opened new therapeutic avenues for resistant infections.
Summary
Identified three novel antimicrobial peptide families with activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Key Lessons
A contaminated cell culture taught her that peptide antimicrobial assays require rigorous environmental controls to avoid false positives.
Certifications
- Ph.D. Immunology, Duke
- AAI Member
- NIH Innovator Award
Areas of Expertise
- Antimicrobial peptide defense
- Thymosin immune modulation
- Innate immunity peptides