Appointment
Instructor in Medicine
Research Interests
Dr. Ananya Gupta’s research focus is primarily on pulmonary immunology, host-pathogen interactions, and immunotherapeutic strategies. Her work spans across preclinical animal models and translational human clinical research.
Tuberculosis (M.tb) Immunology and Immunotherapy
A significant portion of Dr. Gupta’s career has been dedicated to understanding and combating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections.
- Immunotherapy Strategies: Her doctoral research at the National Institute of Immunology focused on innovative anti-tuberculosis immunotherapy, specifically comparing pulmonary (nasal) versus conventional administration routes to evaluate immune responses in lung airways and the interstitium.
- Cellular Mechanisms: Her published research explores how specific immune cells—such as mast cells, B cells, and macrophages—and molecular pathways (like Phospholipase C epsilon-1 and NF-kB signaling) regulate host susceptibility, pathology, and protection against tuberculosis.
The Lung-Bone Marrow Axis and Acute Lung Injury
In her current role as a senior scientist, Dr. Gupta has expanded her focus into acute pulmonary conditions. She is actively investigating the lung-bone marrow axis during acute lung injuries, such as pneumonia. This involves examining structural and cellular remodeling in the lungs, including how megakaryocytes and platelets regulate matrix remodeling during injury.
Translational and Clinical Collaberations
Dr. Gupta frequently bridges the gap between basic science and clinical application by utilizing human clinical specimens and participating in collaborative trial data management. Her recent collaborative research includes:
- COVID-19 and Trained Immunity: Investigating the impact of vaccines (like the MMR vaccine) on innate and adaptive immune responses in individuals receiving SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.
- Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): Researching genetic mutations (e.g., GATA2 mutations) associated with immune dysfunction and increased susceptibility to rare mycobacterial infections like Mycobacterium haemophilum in immunocompromised individuals.
Methodological Enterprise
To delineate the cellular and molecular cues of the pulmonary microenvironment during pathogenic insults, Dr. Gupta heavily utilizes high-throughput techniques, transgenic mouse models, and human clinical specimens and clinical trial data framework (e.g., RedCAP protocol standardization).
Education and Training
- 2008-2011, BS in Biotechnology, Patna University, India
- 2011-2013, MS in Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, India
- 2013-2019, PhD in Immunology, National Institute of Immunology, India
- 2019-2022, Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- 2023, Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- 2024-2026, Senior Scientist, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- 2026-Present, Instructor in Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Honors and Awards
- 2011-2013, University grant commission student fellowship award for All-India Rank holder at CUCET, India
- 2018, Nature-Springer travel award for international conference, Gordon Research Conference, Easton, MA
- 2022, Conference assistant at Keystone conference 2022 “RA3: A Research Reboot of Tuberculosis on the Symposia 50th Anniversary”