Areas Of Research
Immunology and Pathogenesis

Vertebrates have developed immune responses to defend against pathogenic microorganisms and viruses. The immune response and pathogenesis is one of the most important fields of medical discoveries that have been, and are still being used to alleviate human suffering. Two types of cells are associated with the immune response; B and T cells. In mammals, B cells produce immunoglobulin proteins on exposure to foreign substances. These proteins are secreted into the bloodstream where they act against the invading organism. T cells also respond to foreign antigens, but their effector molecules remain firmly bound to the cellular membrane. The Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry has faculty conducting research on both types of immune responses.

Two parasites, Plasmodium, which causes malarial disease and Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas' disease, are currently being studied at both the molecular biology and immunological levels to better understand the nature of their pathogenesis. Cellular immunology and tumor immunology is being studied in vitro on mechanisms of how lymphoid cells employ secreted cytokines to orchestrate the destruction of tumors. The recognition component of the classical complement pathway, C1q, is being analyzed. The role of endothelial cells in rejecting grafts is under investigation. Mouse hepatitis virus is being used as a model to identify potential targets for the therapeutic intervention for the treatment of multiple sclerosis patients.