My research is focused on mechanisms and regulation of cell mediated immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb).
We utilize human subjects, infected human lung tissue, and mouse and
humanized mouse models of experimental tuberculosis (TB)
for these studies. An important component of my work is
investigations to determine how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
compromises CD8+T cell and macrophage function in the host immune
response to M.tb. The goal of these basic studies
is to identify mechanisms whereby the CD8+T cell subset can be
targeted by vaccine adjuvants and/or antigens. Additionally, I have NIH
funding to develop the humanized mouse as a small animal model of HIV/M.tb
co-infection. Development of
this model will greatly enhance capabilities to design and screen
innovative prophylactics and therapeutics for TB to use in populations
with HIV-compromised immune systems. Through collaboration I have
additionally extended my studies of cytotoxic
lymphocytes to include natural killer cell function in infectious
disease (M.tb, B. anthracis) and reproduction.