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Research Interests:
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Dr. Roberts' research interests are in the area of viral
pathogenesis, particularly the roles that human mononuclear leukocytes (monocytes-macrophages and lymphocytes) play in antiviral defense. He studies the response to common challenges such as influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Dr. Roberts examines events during infection of the leukocytes by the virus, with attention to regulation of synthesis of viral and host gene products in the infected cells that are ultimately responsible for antiviral defense. Current studies are delineating potential mechanisms through which RSV attenuates or delays the anamnestic response that would protect against clinical re-infection. He is also studying the basis for altered (reduced or absent) synthesis of influenza virus gene products by lymphocytes that show homozygous expression of certain HLA determinants. The correlation of immunologic responses (magnitude, kinetics, and repertoire) with the identified cellular and molecular events in the infected leukocytes should help to delineate important pathogenetic events and thus provide insight for the design of viral vaccines or antiviral agents.
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