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This summary highlights key research accomplishments in polysaccharide immunity, cellular immunity, and pathogenic Neisseria. We refined the specificity of pneumococcal polysaccharide ELISA through preadsorption methods. A novel, high-yield conjugation method (>70%) was developed. We identified polysaccharide interactions influencing Toll-like receptor activity. Additionally, we discovered the critical role of O-acetyl groups in inducing bactericidal antibodies against meningococcal group A polysaccharide and developed a gonococcal genetic typing system. Lastly, we defined a new gene linked to meningococcal lipooligosaccharide biosynthesis.
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Recent key research accomplishments: • Polysaccharide Immunity Section • Refined specificity of pneumococcal polysaccharide ELISA by use of both C PS and heterologous type (type 22F) polysaccharide preadsorption • Developed a new general purpose high yield (> 70 %) conjugation method
Recent key research accomplishment: Cellular Immunity Section Identified a Polysaccharide interaction affecting activity of toll like receptors (TLRs)
Recent key research accomplishments: • Pathogenic Neisseria Section • Showed that O acetyl groups on the meningococcal group A polysaccharide are critical for induction of bactericidal antibodies • Developed a sensitive gonococcal genetic porin (Por) typing system to investigate Por specific immunity to gonorrhea
Recent key research accomplishments: • Lipopolysaccharide Section • Defined a new gene, lgtH, in the biosynthesis of meningococcal lipooligosaccharide • Found that sialylation of the terminal galactose of meningococcal LOS requires at least a trisaccharide moiety