Dr. McCray has a long-standing interest in the pathogenesis and treatment of cystic fibrosis. His laboratory has two main areas of investigation: 1) innate mucosal immunity in the lung and how this is altered in disease states, and 2) gene transfer for the treatment of inherited diseases.

Studies of the anti-microbial properties of the airway surface liquid have stimulated interest in the anti-microbial proteins and peptides secreted by epithelia. Dr. McCray's lab is currently defining the tissue specific expression, regulation and anti-microbial activity of epithelial defensins and other proteins in model systems. These molecules may play a role in the innate mucosal immunity of the lung and other mucosal surfaces. A major effort is directed towards identifying novel host defense genes using genomics and large scale expression profiling.

Another area of investigation is the development of integrating viral vectors for the treatment of inherited diseases. Current projects include gene transfer to airway epithelia for cystic fibrosis and gene transfer to the hepatocytes for the treatment of hemophilia A. The focus of these studies is on the development and optimization of retrovirus-derived vectors. A long-term goal is to develop strategies with integrating vector systems that could be successfully used to treat genetic diseases. McCray Lab website: http://mccraylab.genetics.uiowa.edu/index.html