Research
The general interests of the CMIID are the regulation of immunity and the mechanisms by which infectious agents circumvent the normal immune response. In general, investigators are using in vivo animal models, in vitro cell culture systems and molecular approaches to understand mechanisms of signal transduction in immune cells, the development of immune cells, the function of immune cells and the recognition and clearance of pathogens. Understanding the basic mechanisms that control these processes will provide novel insights into the control of immune responses and potentially identify novel therapeutic targets for modulating and controlling immunity and inflammation. Members of the CMIID have a history of collaborations that cross several research disciplines including immunology, virology, microbiology, nutrition, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, toxicology, chemistry and bioengineering. The collaborative nature of these investigators and the diverse expertise they bring to the CMIID guarantees a multidisciplinary approach in studying immunity and infectious disease. This research utilizes Penn State 's state of the art mouse, microscopy, tissue culture, proteomics and bioinformatics facilities.
Research and education training under the Alcorn State: Penn State Bridges to the Doctorate Program.
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Participating Faculty:
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Research Interest |
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The role of Tyrosine kinases in lymphocyte activation and disease.
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Regulation of the immune system by vitamin D.
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Regulation of innate immunity, hematopoiesis and cellular transformation by receptor tyrosine kinases.
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Molecular mechanisms that governs the development of the malaria parasites.
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The biology of the human polyomavirus, JC virus.
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Interactions between bacterial pathogens and the host immune system.
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Molecular
biology and viral pathogenesis of paramyxoviruses.
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Understanding the molecular epidemiology of foodborne pathogens.
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Identification and characterization of bacterial virulence factors
involved in colonization of the host and mucosal immune responses.
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Breast cancer metastasis and the immune system.
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Reproductive immunology
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immune system and the reproductive system. |
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Role of intracellular membrane rearrangement in hepatitis virus genome replication and assembly.
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Genetic and biochemical analysis of cell signaling during hematopoiesis.
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The Regulation of immune function by oxidative stress and antioxidants including selenium.
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Recognition and clearance of apoptotic cells.
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Assembly and budding of paramyxovirus particles.
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Virus-host interaction and pathogenesis of viral infection.
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Mechanisms of action of hypolipidemic drugs and peroxisome proliferators.
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Development and function of gamma-delta T cells. Coordinated expression of chemokine and cytokine receptors on fetal thymic sIEL progenitors
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