Grace Kirby Distinguished Professor of Pathology Soman Abraham, PhD, was an invited speaker at the Permeability Workshop PWIII at Noor Castle in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 2–5, 2025. The workshop focused on novel concepts in the regulation of inflammatory edema, which occurs when the body reacts to an injury or infection by sending extra fluid and immune cells to the affected area, causing swelling.
In his presentation, "Mast Cell-Mediated Progression from Sepsis to Septic Shock," Abraham discussed the key triggers involved in the transition from sepsis to life-threatening septic shock. He highlighted the pivotal role of platelets in this process, particularly how they activate mast cells and thereby contribute to the onset of septic shock.
Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts and causes widespread inflammation. This can lead to septic shock, when a patient’s blood pressure falls dangerously low and may cause the heart and other organs to fail. Abraham discussed novel strategies aimed at preventing the progression of sepsis into septic shock through targeting platelets and mast cells.
Explore the Abraham Lab’s work here.
In addition to his teaching and research, Abraham is director of graduate studies for Duke’s Graduate Program in Pathobiology and Translational Biosciences, which was established in the early 1960s with the goal of training investigators to understand and solve fundamental problems in experimental pathology.