Our laboratory is currently involved in studying the immune response to microbial antigens and the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis. Attempts to understand the mechanism by which macrophages process and present antigens to T lymphocytes and how protective immunity to pathogens is achieved are major goals. Regulation of class II MHC gene products by microbial products is evaluated in terms of the mechanisms operative and the relevance of this modulation to infection and immunity. We are currently involved in defining the function and activation requirements of gamma/delta T cells that are present at front lines of defense in epithelial tissues. Gamma/delta T cells play a regulatory role in the dampening of inflammation during infection by via control of macrophage differentiation and activation. We are interested in the regulation of cytokine production such as TNF, IL-2, 1L-12 and gamma interferon. IL-12 is especially interesting in that it can act as a potent adjuvant as well as a positive regulator of differentiation of TH1-type T cells intimately involved in immunity to intracellular pathogens. Ultimate goals include the rationale design of vaccines effective for prevention of microbial infection.

[ziegler@microbio.emory.edu]