Paul McCray, MD, is a pediatric pulmonologist with interests in airway innate immunity, epithelial cell biology, and the applications of genetic therapies for lung diseases. 

Genetic therapies for the treatment of inherited diseases

The laboratory is using viral and non-viral vectors for gene addition and gene editing applications in airway epithelia. Our disease interests include cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and ABCA3 deficiency, problems that affect the pediatric population. A focus is on improving the efficiency of delivery of genetic therapy cargoes to respiratory epithelial cell types. We have developed novel lentiviral vector pseudotypes that target receptors on the apical surface of airway epithelia. Gene addition or repair in airway progenitor cell types could provide long lasting correction. A long-term goal is to develop vector systems with that can be successfully used in children to treat or prevent lung disease.

Pulmonary Host Defense

Despite the intimate contact between the lung and the external environment that occurs with each breath, the intrapulmonary airways are normally free of infection and inflammation. A well-orchestrated mucosal immune system contributes to this remarkable state of affairs. We are interested in host-pathogen interactions, defense mechanisms, and epithelial responses to bacteria and viruses. We are investigating how respiratory viral infections may contribute to the onset and progression of lung disease. Our interests include the interactions between airway epithelia and specific pathogens (RSV, influenza, PIV, SARS, MERS, SARS-2 coronaviruses, others).