.:Center for Hepatitis Research: .

JIAREN SUN, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Immunology
Scientist and Member, Centers for Hepatitis Research,
Vaccine Development, and Biodefense and Emerging Infectious
Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity
Faculty, Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology
Hepatitis C virus infection, immune responses, vaccine

Phone: (409) 747.0186 | Fax: (409) 772.6869 | E-mail: jisun@utmb.edu

“Hepatitis C virus has infected an estimated 170 million people worldwide. During the next few years, the number of annual U.S. deaths from hepatitis C-caused liver damage and cancer may overtake deaths caused by AIDS. Current evidence suggests that hepatitis C virus may directly interfere with the body’s immune system. Immune-mediated mechanisms not only contribute to the control of the infection, but also to pathophysiologic changes observed in patients. We are currently addressing how the body’s immune system interacts with the virus, and are exploring new strategies for the control of the infection.”

RESEARCH INTERESTS

· The immunological mechanisms of hepatitis C virus persistence and pathogenesis

· The effector mode of cytotoxic T cells in hepatitis C resolution or progression

Hepatitis C virus has an unusual ability to establish persistent infection in the majority of patients. The failure to clear the virus despite relatively robust immune responses suggests that the virus may have evolved some specific mechanisms of immune evasion. Using a hepatitis C transgenic mouse as a model, we are currently investigating how the virus may interfere with the ability of the immune system to clear the infection. We are attempting to understand how immune responses are regulated so that some lead to viral clearance while others result in chronic inflammation of the liver. In addition, research efforts will also be directed at the define of the preventive strategies for the control of hepatitis C.

PUBLICATIONS

J. Sun, F. Bodola, X. Fan, H. Irshad, L., Soong, S. Lemon and T.S. Chan. 2001. Hepatitis C virus core and envelope proteins do not suppress the host ability to clear a hepatic viral infection. J. Virol. 75: 11992-11998.
H. Lerat, M. Honda, K. Loesch, J. Sun, M. Okuda, S.Y. Xiao, B. West, Y. Yang, R. Gosert, M. Berard, S.A. Weinman, and S. Lemon. 2002. Steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C transgenic mice. Gastroenterology. 122: 352-365.
J. Sun and N. Van Houten. 2002. CD40 stimulation in vivo does not inhibit CD4 T cell tolerance to soluble antigens. Immunol. Lett. 84: 125-132.
J. Sun, M. A. Stalls, K. L. Thompson and N. Van Houten. 2003. Cell cycle block in anergic T cells during tolerance induction. Cellular Immunology. 225: 33-41.
J. Sun, K. Li, M.T. Shata and T. Chan. 2004. The immunological basis for hepatitis C infection. Curr. Opin. Gastroenterol. 20: 598-602.
J. Sun, B. Tumurbaatar, J. Jia, H. Diao, F. Bodola, S. M. Lemon, P., W. Tang, D.G. Bowen, G.W. McCaughan, P. Bertolino and T. Chan. 2005. Parenchymal expression of B7.2/CD86 contributes to hepatitis C virus related liver injury. J. Virol. 79 (16): 10730-10739.
M. Korenaga, T. Wang, L. Showalter, T. Chan, J. Sun and S.A. Weinman. 2005. Hepatitis C virus core protein inhibits mitochondrial electron transport and increases ROS production. J. Biol. Chem. 280 (45): 37481-37488.

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