Prasun K. Datta, PhD

Dr. Datta joined Tulane University as an Associate Professor in 2020, was promoted to the tenure-track position in 2023 and became tenured as an Associate Professor in 2025. 

Dr. Datta maintains an active research program focused on two NIH-funded projects: The first project investigates how SIV infection impacts the severity and progression of ligature-induced periodontitis in rhesus macaques. We analyze the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in immune activation within the oral mucosa and its effects on periodontal health. By studying changes in oral immune responses and microbiome composition, we seek to uncover the mechanisms behind oral health issues in both SIV-infected and ART-treated animals. These findings will help develop strategies to improve oral health outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH).

The second project investigates how SIV infection and ART influence neurodegeneration and brain aging in Rhesus macaques. We aim to determine whether probiotic supplements containing lactate-metabolizing bacteria can reduce neuroinflammation and improve brain health markers in these animals. By examining longitudinal data on CNS aging biomarkers, immune system activation, and microbiome changes, we strive to develop therapeutic strategies to support healthy brain aging in PLWH. 
 

Research Programs
 

• Cross-talk between metabolism and epigenetics.
• Role of extracellular vesicles in NeuroHIV.
• Regulation of glutamate transporters and non-coding RNA.

Key Presentations 
 

• Role of exosomes from HIV-1 infected cells in neurodegeneration. 20th Scientific Conference of Society on Neuroimmune Pharmacology, March 26-29, 2014, New Orleans, LA.
• Macrophage OXPHOS regulation by HIV-1 Vpr and cocaine. 14th International Symposium on Neurovirology, Oct 25-28, 2016, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• EVs released from Tat-treated microglia inhibit EAAT2 expression in astrocytes. Third Annual Extracellular Vesicles and Infections meeting" May 31- June 1, 2019, Bolger Center, Potomac, MD.