Rate My Professor Mira Edgerton

Edgerton's research centers on innate immunity and antimicrobial defense mechanisms in the oral cavity, with a primary emphasis on oral candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. This opportunistic infection has risen significantly due to antibiotic use, compromised immune systems, and cancer therapies, leading to high mortality rates in systemic cases despite antifungal treatments. Her investigations explore candidacidal activity of salivary proteins like histatins and defensins, aiming to enhance these mechanisms therapeutically for immunocompromised patients. Edgerton has secured continuous NIH funding for over two decades, including R01DE12159, K02-DE000406, R29-DE010641, and supplemental American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants. Notable publications include "Candida albicans Ssa1/2p Is the Cell Envelope Binding Protein for Human Salivary Histatin 5" (2003), "Histatin 5 Initiates Osmotic Stress Response in Candida albicans" (2007), "Bacteria Modify Candida albicans Hypha Formation" (2020), and "Neutrophil swarming is crucial for limiting oral mucosal candidiasis" (2025). Her contributions advance understanding of fungal pathogenesis and host defenses, informing strategies to combat oral infections.