References:
- Hwang SA, Wilk KM, Budnicka M, Olsen M, Bangale YA, Hunter RL, Kruzel ML, Actor, J.K. (2007) Lactoferrin enhanced efficacy of the BCG vaccine to generate host protective responses against challenge with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vaccine. 2007 Sep;(37-38):6730-43. Abstract
- Hunter, R.L., Jagannath, C., Actor, J.K. (2007) Pathology of Postprimary Tuberculosis in Humans and Mice Tuberculosis: Contradiction of long-held beliefs. Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2007 Jul;87(4):267-78. Abstract
- Kruzel, M.L., Actor, J.K., Boldogh, I., Zimecki, M. (2007) Lactoferrin in health and disease. Postepy Hig Med Dosw: Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine. 2007; 61(0):266-267.Abstract
- Guidry, T.V., Hunter, R.L., Actor, J.K. (2007) Mycobacterial Glycolipid Trehalose 6,6’-Dimycolate Induced Hypersensitive Granulomas: Contribution of CD4+ Lymphocytes. Microbiology-UK(SGM). 2007; Oct;153(Pt 10):3360-9. Abstract
- Hwang, S-A., Wilk, K.M., Budnicka, M., Olsen, M., Bangale, Y.A., Hunter, R.L., Kruzel, M.L., Actor, J.K. (2007) Lactoferrin enhanced efficacy of the BCG vaccine to generate host protective responses against challenge with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vaccine. 2007; 17;25(37-38):6730-43. Abstract
- Hwang, S.-A., Wilk, K.M., Bangale, Y.A., Kruzel, M.L., Actor, J.K. (2007) Lactoferrin Modulation of IL-12 and IL-10 Response from Activated Murine Leukocytes. Medical Microbiology and Immunology. 2007 Sep;196(3):171-80.Abstract
- Hunter RL, Olsen MR, Jagannath C, Actor, JK. (2006) Multiple roles of cord factor in the pathogenesis of primary, secondary, and cavitary tuberculosis, including a revised description of the pathology of secondary disease. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2006 Autumn;36(4):371-86.Abstract
- Guidry, TV, Hunter RL, Actor, JK. (2006) CD3+ cells transfer hypersensitive granulomatous response to mycobacterial glycolipid Trehalose 6,6’-Dimycolate in mice. Microbiology-UK(SGM). Microbiology. 2006 Dec;152(Pt 12):3765-75.Abstract
- Hunter RL, Olsen M, Jagannath C, Actor, JK. (2006) Trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate and lipid in the pathogenesis of caseating granulomas of tuberculosis in mice. Am J Pathol. 168(4):1249-61.Abstract
- Guidry TV, Hunter RL Jr, Actor JK. Mycobacterial glycolipid trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate-induced hypersensitive granulomas: contribution of CD4+ lymphocytes.Microbiology. 2007 Oct;153(Pt 10):3360-9.
Jeffrey Actor, PhD
Professor
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
(713) 500 - 5344
Jeffrey.K.Actor@uth.tmc.edu
Research
Links:
Research Interests: Examination of host immune responses during parasitic disease; understanding proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines during mycobacterial infections; quantitative bioluminescent RT-PCR; vaccine development.
Research Summary: Our research interests are directed at understanding the host immune regulation of cytokines and proinflammatory response during parasitic infections. We developed and characterized models of tuberculosis in susceptible and resistant mice using modified MTB organisms. It is our hope that understanding the host response to infectious agents will allow development of effective vaccines and therapeutics to combat these diseases. We have a strong collaboration with investigators in the Department of Pathology.
The laboratory goals also include development of bovine and human Lactoferrin as a vaccine adjuvnat to augment cell mediated immunity. Specifically, Lactoferrin as an adjuvant with BCG protects alveolar integrity upon infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying Lactoferrin effects are of great interest, including its use as an immunomodulatory agent to control inflammatory processes.
To assist our goals, we have also developed a bioluminescent quantitative RT-PCR assay to reliably measure message for cytokines in small tissue samples. We utilized the great sensitivity of aequorin, a flash-type bioluminescent tag, to develop highly accurate, rapid and sensitive (attomols) quantitative PCR and RT-PCR assay to be used in a 96-well plate format. This procedure has enable us to examine in vivo events during pathogenesis.
Additional research involves the use of novel non-ionic blockcopolymers (poloxamers) as adjuvants to direct immune responses following vaccination. These adjuvants specifically influence the development of T helper, CTL and B cell responses when administered.
