Host Pathogenesis and Immune Modulation

Research Team:  Band, Hope, Horvath, Lamb, Leis, Longnecker, Pinto, Spear, Seth, and Thimmapaya

A significant number of members of the Viral Oncogenesis Program focus on host pathogenesis and immune modulation. With the recruitment of Dr. Horvath to Northwestern, the research focused on immune modulation in virus infections has been greatly enhanced. Members of the Viral Oncogenesis Program study both the cellular and viral responses to viral infections. In particular, members of the Longnecker and Horvath labs study the alteration of the normal immune response as a result of virus infection. In addition, a large number of the Viral Oncogenesis Program members focus on alteration of the normal cell due to expression of viral oncoproteins. A variety of strategies are being used to advance laboratory studies for the treatment and prevention of viral infections and their development into cancers. Studies have also focused on the understanding of antiviral drug action and the development of animal models that can provide insight into how viruses gain access to specific tissue types upon infection of the host and once the virus gains access how it is able to persist in the infected host (Lamb, Leis, Longnecker, Spear, and Thimmapaya). These studies may result in the development of animal models of viral infection that will provide the basis for the development and testing of novel therapies for viral infection and the related malignancies.

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