Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory infections, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), influenza, and SARS-CoV, are among the leading causes of infectious disease-related deaths globally¹. These pathogens trigger severe inflammation, leading to pneumonia, fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The ongoing emergence of novel respiratory pathogens and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance make research in this area increasingly critical. Singapore's position as a major international travel hub also increases its exposure to imported respiratory infections.

These factors contributed to the establishment of the Respiratory Infectious Diseases (RESPI) domain at A*STAR IDL. The RESPI domain is led by Dr Amit Singhal and supported by Drs Stefan Oehlers, Matthew Tay, and Jun-Siong Low. Together, they take an interdisciplinary approach that combines immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and bioengineering. Their current research focuses on Mycobacterium species, including non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and coronaviruses. The team aims to address critical gaps in understanding and to develop integrated strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory infections. Their work involves the use of a variety of preclinical models in mice and zebrafish, as well as clinical cohorts and complementary technologies like microfluidics. Research efforts explore host and pathogen determinants of disease, tissue-specific mechanisms, and pathogen evolution while also identifying therapeutic antibodies and advancing host-targeted treatment strategies.