Peter Di is a tenured professor and lung biologist whose laboratory focuses on fundamental and translational research on how lung epithelial cells protect the host from infection, injury and cancer. The Di Lab is located at the FIU Center for Translational Science in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Di’s research is supported by multiple National Institutes of Health awards, including two R01 grants examining airway innate immune responses to fungal infections and the development of peptide antibiotics targeting carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms. He also leads an R21 project to develop inhalable antimicrobials for respiratory infections.
Di has maintained continuous extramural funding for more than 20 years, securing over $33 million in support from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Research Interests
- Acute lung injury
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Respiratory epithelium regeneration
- Antibiotic resistance
- Bacterial adaptation and evolution
- Novel antimicrobials
- Inhalation toxicology
- Infection and immunity
- Whole genome and RNA sequencing
Current Grants
Project: Developing a novel class of peptide antibiotics targeting carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms
Role: Principal Investigator
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Period: 08/01/2023 - 07/31/2028
Total Funding: $4,373,411
Objectives: The overall goals of this proposal are to use a rational design approach to conduct mechanistic and preclinical studies to develop a novel peptide-based antibiotic. The project aims to deliver a safe and effective antimicrobial into an IND-ready state to support future clinical trials and address antimicrobial resistance.
Project: Airway Innate Immune Responses to Coccidioides Infection
Role: Principal Investigator
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Period: 07/28/2025 - 06/30/2029
Total Funding: $3,075,549
Objectives: The overall goal is to identify mechanisms of early innate defense against Coccidioides, including the production and regulation of antimicrobial proteins and how they suppress fungal growth. This research investigates how epithelial antimicrobial proteins inhibit Coccidioides infections to inform new treatments and improved management of fungal diseases.
Project: Optimization of a novel antimicrobial for pulmonary delivery to fight respiratory infections
Role: Principal Investigator
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Period: 08/01/2025 - 7/31/2026
Total Funding: $405,625
Objective: The overall goal of this project is to develop and optimize a new, potent, and safe therapeutic for pulmonary delivery that will provide a transformative approach to combating a broad spectrum of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial respiratory infections.
Education
- MBA, Innovation & Technology Management, University of California at Davis
- Ph.D., Molecular & Cellular Biophysics, SUNY at Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute