Lynda A. Morrison

Identification and Use of Protective Monoclonal IgA Antibodies Against Viral and Bacterial Pathogens

Research in our laboratories is focused on the roles played by intestinal epithelial cells in the secretory immune response to enteric pathogens. One of our goals is to generate and characterize specific IgA antibodies that can prevent interaction of pathogens with epithelial surfaces. It is now generally recognized that microorganisms and macromolecules that can adhere to epithelial cells are most effective in eliciting specific secretory IgA antibodies1,2, presumably because adherent immunogens are most efficiently endocytosed and transported across the epithelium. Adherence to the M cells of follicle-associated epithelia is probably crucial in this regard, since transepithelial delivery of antigens by these cells may be a prerequisite for a mucosal immune response3–5.

Viral pathogenesis and central nervous system infection

Abstract Both host defense and viral genetic factors influence the development of viral infection and disease. Due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, infection of the central nervous system creates additional complexities in interactions between a virus and its host. Stages in viral pathogenesis defined as (1) virus entry, (2) spread, (3) tropism, (4) virulence and injury to the host, and (5) the outcome of infection are discussed for viral infections in general and those aspects unique to infections of the central nervous system. Information about neuronal physiology and function has also been revealed through studying virus infection. An increased understanding of viral pathogenetic mechanisms and host response to infection raises interesting possibilities for vaccine development and for basic studies in neurology and neurobiology.