Shirley Mei

• Translational research: applying scientific discoveries to clinical trials
• Stem cell and cell-based gene therapy
• Mesenchymal stem cells
• Cellular therapeutics product manufacturing process and potency assay development
• Sepsis/septic shock
• Acute lung injury/Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Critical care
• Vascular biology

Research work by Dr. Mei has shown that the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can reduce inflammation, vascular injury, and improve survival in animal models of acute lung injury and sepsis, supporting the potential benefits of using MSC-based cell therapy in humans.  

With a focus on bringing discoveries from the bench to the bedside, her current research includes studying how MSCs exert their immunomodulatory effect on immune cells using ex vivo/in vitro culture systems, preclinical disease models and clinical patient samples; and developing novel cellular and molecular strategies to enhance the benefit of cellular therapeutics. Her lab also conducts essential translational research, including the development of GMP-compliant cellular therapeutic products.  

Dr. Mei’s research in basic science and translational medicine has led to the publication of peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals and book chapters that include PLoS Medicine, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Human Gene Therapy and Comprehensive Physiology.