Research in my laboratory is focused on cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases,
human parasitic diseases transmitted by infected sand flies. Using mouse and
hamster as models, we want to examine: 1) the differential responses of target
cells (macrophages and dendritic cells) to parasite infection; 2) the impact of
dendritic cell-parasite interaction on T cell activation; 3) the role of T
helper subsets and their produced cytokines/chemokines in the control of
infection and disease pathogenesis; and 4) the factors of parasite or vector
origins that may influence the outcome of infection. Given that Leishmania
parasites have a complex life cycle and relative large genome size, our research
effort has also been directed at identifying parasite antigens using
functionally defined CD4+ T cell lines or specific monoclonal antibodies. The
biological role of parasite genes/proteins is being tested via DNA immunization.
Our long-term goal is to understand at the molecular level pathogenic and
protective mechanisms operating on both sides of the host-parasite
interactions.
Search PubMed for Dr. Soong's publications.