Postdoc - Neuroscience
Johns Hopkins University - 2022
Xintong Dong
Assistant Professor - Biological Sciences
We study antimicrobial peptide signaling at host-microbe interfaces.
Professional Preparation
Ph.D. - Biology
Stanford University - 2016
Stanford University - 2016
B.S. - Biochemistry
University of Wisconsin - Madison - 2010
University of Wisconsin - Madison - 2010
Research Areas
Antimicrobial peptide signaling in urinary tract infections
We are interested in how antimicrobial peptides contribute to urinary tract immunity by activating receptors on immune cells and sensory neurons.Host-microbe interaction in the skin
We use mouse and bacterial genetics to understand how S. aureus interacts with antimicrobial peptides in the mammalian skin.Neuro-immune crosstalk in psoriasis
We try to understand how defensins facilitate neuro-immune crosstalk and cause psoriatic itch.Publications
Synchronized cluster firing, a distinct form of sensory neuron activation, drives spontaneous pain 2022 - Journal Article
Keratinocyte-derived defensins activate neutrophil-specific receptors Mrgpra2a/b to prevent skin dysbiosis and bacterial infection 2022 - Journal Article
A Connective Tissue Mast-Cell-Specific Receptor Detects Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Molecules and Mediates Antibacterial Immunity 2019 - Journal Article
Awards
R01 - NIDDK [2024]
Discovery Award - National Psoriasis Foundation [2023]
Leading Edge Fellow - Leading Edge Symposium [2020]
Damon Runyon/HHMI postdoc fellowship - Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation [2017]