Research Activity
Section of Infectious Diseases
Research Activity
The Section of Infectious Diseases at Boston University Medical Center and the Boston University School of Medicine has a diverse, well-funded research program to study microbial pathogens and interactions with the host. These endeavors include studies of bacteria, spirochetes, chlamydia, fungi, and viruses. The focus is on how these pathogens alter or evade the host immune response.
Studies of bacterial pathogenesis are carried out by Drs. Frank Gibson, Lee Wetzler and Paola Massari. Dr. Gibson primarily works with Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important pathogen causing dental disease, and relationships to the host immune system, including the Toll-like receptors. In addition, the Gibson lab is studying the pathogen’s effects on accelerated atherosclerosis; knock-out mice are used as part of these investigations. Another line of research concerns the regulation of the major anaerobically induced protein (AniA) of the pathogenic Neisseria by the global regulatory protein Fur.
Drs. Wetzler and Massari are working on the Neisserial porins, especially their effects on the immune system, including TLR2-mediated effects in dendritic cells. Dr. Wetzler and Dr. Madico also study Francisella tularensis as part of an NIH program project grant.
Drs. Ingalls and Madico are working on various aspects of pathogenesis concerning Neisseria meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae. Dr. Madico has identified with colleagues a vaccine candidate protein for N. meningitides that binds complement regulator factor H. They have also found a mechanism by which N. gonorrhoeae utilizes one of its proteins to avoid complement-mediated killing.
Dr. Ingalls has developed an in vitro model for studying the interaction of genital tract pathogens, specifically N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, with human epithelial cells derived from various levels of the female genital tract.
Other work with C. trachomatis is being conducted by Drs. Shen and Zhang. They have studied the sigma factor 28, and specific disulphide bridge epitopes, of C. trachomatis.
Drs. Klempner and Zhao continue to study the pathogenesis of Lyme disease. This research involves the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein type 1 and matrix metalloprotein type 9, which is being studied with the use of IL-10 knock-out mice. Dr. Klempner also studies systems for the rapid detection of microorganisms. This research is supported by grants from NASA and the NIH. Dr. Klempner continues to direct the planning and construction of the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory. This facility will undoubtedly stimulate new research activity for existing and new members of the Section of Infectious Diseases.
