Robert Allen

My professional career has focused on the physics, chemistry, and biology of oxygen and on mechanisms of combustion. My seminal research contributions relate to the redox metabolism of neutrophil leukocytes responsible for combustive microbicidal action and light emission. I discovered leukocyte luminescence and invented chemiluminigenic probing as an ultrasensitive method for measuring and differentiating the activity states of blood phagocytes in real time. In collaboration with others, we’ve demonstrated that the state of the circulating neutrophil reflects the in vivo state of inflammatory activation. Our myeloperoxidase (MPO)  research has focused on mechanism of microbicidal action and on selective binding characteristics. Selective MPO binding results in selective killing. Recently we’ve demonstrated that MPO binds and detoxifies lipopolysaccharide and lipid A and that such detoxification does not require haloperoxidase action. I’m also a physician and have practiced infectious disease and clinical pathology for more than thirty years directing reference laboratories and large hospital laboratories associated with Emory University and Creighton University. I’ve taught medical students and directed the pathology residence program. Although now retired from clinical practice, I maintain academic contact with residents and continue to consult in my areas of expertise.