Research - Molecular Mechanisms of Protective Memory
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) in Mucosal Infections

A memory lymphocyte population is critical for protection against pathogen challenge, and establishment of a functional memory population of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) is an important goal of vaccination. The overall aim of my research is to understand the molecular mechanisms that result in generation of efficient memory CTL after vaccination. I will be focusing on the roles of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and type one interferon, including their requirement, timing and duration during the induction of functional CTL response in mucosal infections. Answers to these questions will be contributing to the development of strategies for optimal vaccination.

Interaction between Nutrition and Immune System
Unbalanced nutrition has been shown to affect susceptibility to diseases in both human and animals. However, the fundamental mechanisms are just starting to be uncovered. We are interested in the influence of unbalanced nutrition on immune responsiveness, particularly memory CTL response. Knowledge from this study will help to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines on certain populations with different situations in nutrition, and are also important to understand vaccination as an integrated host response involving both immune system and nutrition.

Teaching

• ANSC489I Current Topics in Animal Science: Comparative Vertebrate Immunology
• ANSC212, Applied Animal Physiology (one chapter)