Jeffrey K. Actor, Ph.D. 1991, University of Massachusetts The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Contact Information Biographical Sketch

Research Interests:

• Examination of host immune responses during parasitic disease
• Understanding proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines during mycobacterial infections
• Vaccine development
• Molecular mechanisms of Lactoferrin immunomodulation

The research in the laboratory is directed at understanding the host proinflammatory response and regulation of cytokines during parasitic infections. Towards this goal we have developed models of tuberculosis in susceptible and resistant mice using modified MTB organisms. We utilize quantitative immunological methods and RT-PCR to reliably measure message for mycobacteria and cytokines in small tissue samples. Understanding the host response to infectious agents will allow development of effective vaccines to combat these diseases.  A converging research interest investigates lactoferrin as a natural mediator of immune responses, for utilization in models systems of infection and stress (SIRS; systemic inflammatory response syndrome).


Selected Publications:

Guidry TV, Hunter RL Jr, Actor JK (2007) Mycobacterial glycolipid trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate-induced hypersensitive granulomas: contribution of CD4+ lymphocytes. Microbiology. Oct;153(Pt 10):3360-9.

Hwang SA, Wilk KM, Budnicka M, Olsen M, Bangale YA, Hunter RL, Kruzel ML, Actor JK (2007) Lactoferrin enhanced efficacy of the BCG vaccine to generate host protective responses against challenge with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vaccine. Sep 17;25(37-38):6730-43.

Welsh KJ, Abbott AN, Shen-An Hwang, Indrigo J, Armitige LY, Blackburn MR, Hunter RL, Actor JK (2008) A Role for Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Complement C5 and Interleukin-6 in the Initiation and Development of the Mycobacterial Cord Factor Trehalose 6,6’-Dimycolate Induced Granulomatous Response. Microbiology-UK(SGM). 154(Pt 6):1813-24.

Additional Publications

Program Affiliations:

Immunology

Molecular Pathology