Lab Research Focus
Molecular-cellular interactions involved in the differentiation of B lymphocytes and epithelial cells of the mucosal immune system and the novel approaches for the induction of the humoral immune response in external secretions represent the primary area of interest in our laboratory. Regulation of the expression of immunoglobulin isotypes, with emphasis on IgA and J chain synthesis, are studied in human systems under normal as well as pathologic conditions. The interactions of IgA molecules of various properties (including those found in IgA-containing immune complexes) with lymphoid cells, macrophages, hepatocytes, eosinophils, and epithelial cells are investigated in a variety of human diseases afflicting the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Development of vaccines against AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases is pursued using novel antigen delivery systems and combination of immunization routes to stimulate mucosal immunity in the genital tract.
|
|
|
