Cellular Immunity to Category A-C Viruses in Humans

The UMMS Center for Translational Research on Human Immunology and Biodefense (CTRHIB) is an interdepartmental program that addresses, as its overall scientific theme, the role of T lymphocytes in the immunopathogenesis of and protection from category A-C viral pathogens in humans. The CTRHIB is a collaborative effort of senior and junior investigators with expertise in human immunology and research on biodefense pathogens, including translation to clinical studies. The UMMS CTRHIB includes 4 Research Projects, a Technology Development Project (TDP), and 5 Cores:

  • Project 1 (Human CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses to influenza infection and vaccination)- This project analyzes human T cell responses to influenza virus vaccine and natural infection, with the goal of defining the characteristics associated with optimal vaccine-induced immune responses.
  • Project 2 (Mechanisms of vascular leakage in viral hemorrhagic fevers)- This project focuses on analyzing the interactions between innate and adaptive immune responses to virus infection and their effects on endothelial cell function, with a focus on the plasma leakage associated with viral hemorrhagic fevers caused by flaviviruses and hantaviruses.
  • Project 3 (Yin-Yang of heterologous T cell immunity)- This project analyzes heterologous immunity in flavivirus infections, defining the effects of amino acid variations on cross-reactive T cell responses in sequential flavivirus infections.
  • Project 4 (Immunodominance in the human T cell response to poxviruses and herpesviruses)- This project analyzes the mechanisms underlying the selection of immunodominant epitopes from large DNA viruses, including poxviruses and herpesviruses (HHV-6).
  • The Technology Development Project is developing novel methods and tools for epitope discovery, characterization of virus-specific T cells, and high-throughput expansion and detection of virus-specific T cells to facilitate broad application of assays of cellular immunity.
  • Core facilities provide-
    • Program administration/educational outreach
    • Pilot projects funding
    • Clinical study subject recruitment and characterization
    • Flow cytometry
    • Production of MHC proteins

The CTRHIB addresses important NIAID research priorities related to biodefense pathogens as well as career development for junior investigators. Organizing these activities in a single research Center facilitates cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary interactions.