Principal Investigator
Research Projects
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B Cell Response to Viruses that Infect the Respiratory Tract (M. Sangster)
Virus-specific antibodies play a key role in providing a protective barrier to infection and in facilitating viral clearance once an infection is established. Antibody-producing cells or plasma cells are generated from B cells that divide and differentiate following recognition of specific antigen. More info...
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Determinants of Heterosubtypic Immunity to Influenza
This project is focused on identifying the specificities of T cell responses to influenza in both animal models and in humans. Although humans possess immune responses that cross-react against different subtypes of influenza (so-called
heterosubtypic immunity
), there is little evidence of its specificity, and the reasons why it may or may not be protective are unclear. More info... -
Immune Responses to the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Virus
As part of our investigations into immune protection from influenza, we have developed a series of related research projects focused on understanding how immune responses to the novel H1N1 influenza virus that emerged in 2009 (pH1N1) to cause a worldwide pandemic. In human subjects, we are investigating pre-existing immunity that cross-reacts with the pH1N1 virus. More info...
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Innate immunity to influenza
Recently, the lab has begun investigating the role of Natural Killer (NK) cells in primary and secondary influenza infections. Contrary to present dogma, we find that NK cells are a major part of the cellular immune response throughout the acute phase of primary infection, not just the first few days, and are more rapidly invoked by secondary infection. In addition to antiviral functions, the NK cells critically participate in repair of the lung epithelium to maintain barrier function. More info...
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Mathematical and Computational Modeling of Influenza Immunity
Mathematical and computational methods are being employed to model aspects of the immune response to influenza. The goal of the CBIM is to develop comprehensive, quantitative models of the immune response to influenza A infection, a potential bioterror agent and emerging pathogen, and create computational tools to explore such scenarios in silico. More info...
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The Pivotal Role of VLA-1 in T cell Immunity to Influenza
Optimal T cell mediated immunity to virus infection of peripheral tissues depends on the ability of the T cells to home to, function, and be retained in these sites. Because of the diversity in the structure and function of peripheral organs, a mechanism to regulate T cells in different organs must involve components shared by many tissues. A feature common to many tissues is the presence of extracellular matrix. Collagen IV is uniquely found in the basement membranes that form the foundation for all epithelial and endothelial surfaces. More info...
