Faculty List
Birkenheuer, Adam, DVM, PhD
Department of Clinical Sciences
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-6193
E-mail: adam_birkenheuer@ncsu.edu
My research interests include epidemiology, molecular characterization, molecular diagnosis, and treatment of vector borne diseases in dogs and cats.
Breitschwerdt, Ed, DVM
Department of Clinical Sciences
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 919-513-8277
E-mail: ed_breitschwerdt@ncsu.edu
My research interests are focused in the area of infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on diagnostic therapeutic, and immunopathologic aspects of zoonotic vector-transmitted bacterial and rickettsial diseases. The laboratory has contributed substantially to current understanding of Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis, and Bartonella vinsonii infection in dogs and Bartonella henselae in cats. We are currently capable of handling biosafety P3-level pathogens and have an ongoing research relationship with the Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center.
It is increasingly obvious that vector borne pathogens contribute to a substantial quantity of animal and human disease and suffering. In most instances the immunopathologic consequences of infection with one or simultaneous infection with multiple vector-transmitted infectious agents remains unknown. It is our goal to better define the clinical consequences of chronic infection with these organisms.
Dean, Gregg, DVM, PhD
Molecular Biomedical Sciences
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-2819
E-mail: gregg_dean@ncsu.edu
Research objectives are to characterize cytokine mRNA and protein expression in lymphoid and hematopoietic tissues of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) infected cats and attempt to modulate the cytokine response with recombinant feline cytokines, anti-cytokine antibodies, and recombinant Listeria monocytogenes. Hemolymphatic tissues are evaluated by QC-RT-PCR to quantify tissue production of cytokine mRNA, by in situ hybridization to localize mRNA within the tissue structure, and by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry to determine cytokine protein production within specific cell phenotypes. Cloning, sequencing, and expression of recombinant feline cytokines and generation of anti-cytokine antibodies are ongoing to produce reagents for studies of immunopathogenesis and immune-modulation. The long-term goal is to understand the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis, therapy and prevention of FIV and FIPV.
Hammerberg, Bruce, DVM, PhD
Population Health and Pathobiology
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-7712
E-mail: bruce_hammerberg@ncsu.edu
My current research expertise is in allergic diseases and nematode biology. Regarding allergic disease research, I have capitalized on my recent development of canine x murine heterohybridomas. One of these produces canine monoclonal IgE specific for a filarial nematode antigen. Another produces canine IgG antibodies specific for canine IgE. Using these tools, I have developed mouse monoclonal antibodies against heat stable epitopes of canine IgE and have the opportunity to make canine monoclonal antibodies against canine IgE epitopes that will be useful in preventing allergic disease in the dog. The unlimited supply of canine IgE of known antigen specificity has directed my research toward characterizing inherited differences in mast cell function in the dog, and at this time I am investigating the role of stem cell factor in inherited canine atopic dermatitis.
My work with filarial nematodes over the last 25 years has recently turned to investigating how fatty acid binding proteins function in nematode physiology.
Havell, Edward, PhD
Population Health and Pathobiology
NCSU College Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 515-6184
E-mail: ed_havell@ncsu.edu
The major objective of our research is to determine the roles that tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and host cells play in both innate immunity and adaptive immunity to enteric bacterial pathogens. TNF and IFN-gamma are produced during different bacterial infections, and these cytokines have been shown to function in host antibacterial defense in various infected tissues. To study possible roles of cytokines and host cells in antibacterial resistance, specific inhibitors (e.g., anti-cytokine antibodies) that block the actions of a given cytokine or host cell are administered before, or at progressive times of different bacterial infection in mice. The subsequent course of infection is monitored to determine the effect of such treatment on bacterial pathogenesis. The long-range goal of our research is to acquire an understanding of how TNF, IFN-gamma, and host cells having antibacterial function interact in the defense of the host against bacterial pathogens. In addition to studying the roles of cytokines and host cells in antibacterial resistance, studies are underway to develop a reproducible mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease that will enable the study of the roles of cytokines and host cells in chronic inflammatory intestinal disease.
Hess, Paul, DVM, PhD
Department of Clinical Sciences
NCSU, College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-6183
E-mail: paul_hess@ncsu.edu
My research interests are tumor immunology and vaccinology. Currently I am investigating the effects of in vivo administration of MHC class I tetramers on shaping the CD8+ T cell repertoire (central effects), and on activating effector and memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (peripheral effects). The purpose of these studies is to examine CD8+ T cell responses to signal one alone as a model of T cell-tumor cell interactions, and to evaluate tetramers (in modified form) as novel immunotherapeutic agents. Long-term goals are to develop practical and effective means of constructing cancer vaccines for veterinary clinical use.
Hudson, Lola C., DVM, PhD
Molecular Biomedical Sciences
NCSU College Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-6306
Email: lola_hudson@ncsu.edu
Research in this laboratory focuses on the study of viral neuropathogenesis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. We are currently investigating rabies and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which have widely divergent mechanisms of CNS entry. We have developed an in vitro blood-brain barrier using feline cells to determine the conditions under which immune cells in normal and FIV-infected animals are capable of penetrating the BBB, mechanism of attachment to the barrier such as up-regulation of specific adhesion molecules, and characteristics of attaching cells. Additionally, in vivo studies parallel in vitro studies with the aim of increasing our understanding of whole body interaction with neuroviruses and detection of neural infection during the early stages of disease.
Jones, Samuel L., DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Department of Clinical Sciences
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-7722
Email: sam_jones@ncsu.edu
My laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of neutrophil and monocyte activation. We are currently studying the role of cytoskeletal proteins such as the leukocyte specific actin bundling protein L-plastin, in regulating the signaling cascades which lead to cellular activation in neutrophils and monocytes. We also are defining the role of protein kinase A in integrin adhesion receptor activation and integrin-dependent adhesion, migration, and phagocytosis. Finally, we are studying the cell biology of anti-inflammatory mediators that control and resolve inflammation, particularly the arachidonic acid-derived lipids in the lipoxin family. Specifically, we are determining the mechanism of lipoxins' anti-inflammatory effects on neutrophils during migration and activation by a variety of mediators.
Koci, Matt, PhD
Department of Poultry Science
NCSU Scott Hall, Campus Box 7608
Raleigh, NC 27695
Phone: (919) 515-5388
E-mail: mdkoci@unity.ncsu.edu
The overall objective of my research is to understand the immune mechanisms which allow animals to recognize, respond to, eliminate, and develop resistance to viral pathogens. Our approach involves understanding both cellular and molecular aspects of the host response as well as basic molecular virology. Currently research in the laboratory is focused on understanding the key innate immune responses involved in pathogenesis and disease resolution of astrovirus induced gastroenteritis. Astroviruses are a major cause of diarrhea in the young and immune compromised of several species. Our research has demonstrated that activated macrophages and their effector molecules may play an essential role in inhibiting viral replication.
Laster, Scott M., PhD
Department of Microbiology
Pylon Building, Campus Box 7615
621 Hutton Street
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 515-7958
E-mail: scott_laster@ncsu.edu
Research in my laboratory focuses on the anti-viral immune response. One aspect of this response currently under investigation is the apoptosis-inducing activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is a product of many cells, including, macrophages and monocytes, and is released by these cells during infection. TNF is able to act in an anti-viral manner by causing the death of infected cells before virus replication is complete, thereby reducing the number of infectious virions that are produced. The apoptosis-inducing activity of TNF is selective for infected cells because these cells are unable to transcribe appropriate levels of NF-kB-dependent, anti-apoptotic gene products. The virus under investigation in my laboratory is the human adenovirus. While not a major human pathogen, the adenovirus represents an excellent model system for studies of molecular and cellular immunology. Recent studies from my laboratory suggest that adenovirus induces susceptibility to TNF by preventing the expression of a tyrosine or dual specificity phosphatase. I have proposed that this phosphatase normally acts in an anti-apoptotic manner by inhibiting apoptotic signal transduction through the dephosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2.
Another aspect of the anti-viral immune response under investigation in my laboratory is the immune response to the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). This virus causes reproductive failure in sows and serious respiratory disorders in neonates. PRRSV is widespread among swine populations worldwide and is a serious economic problem in North Carolina. I am studying the relative contributions made by humoral and cellular immune compartments to the PRRSV immune response. I am also attempting to produce a vaccine for PRRSV. PRRSV genes are being cloned and transferred to attenuated strains of Salmonella. This type of vector has been selected because attenuated strains of Salmonella induce strong mucosal immunity. A strong mucosal immune response may be beneficial for PRRSV since the virus enters through the nasal/oral route and replicates primarily in the alveolar macrophage.
Martin, Linda, DVM, PhD
Molecular Biomedical Sciences
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 515-7393
E-mail: Linda_martin@ncsu.edu
My research program is focused on the elucidation of molecular and biochemical mechanisms that affect human airway epithelial cell functions during inflammatory respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. These investigations emphasize the study of regulated cytokine production by the airway epithelium and the response of the epithelium to cytokine inflammatory mediators. Current research efforts are concentrated on articulating molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways regulating 1) interleukin-13 induced mucous cell hyperplasia, and 2) oxidant-mediated interleukin-6 expression. The main model used in this research has been an in vitro cell culture system that maintains normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells in their differentiated state (ciliated, mucous, and basal cells). These cells retain functional characteristics similar to those found in vivo while allowing manipulation in vitro. Efforts are also under way to expand the models used in this research program to include complimentary in vivo and in vitro approaches using mice, and to establish methods for studying complex signaling pathways via genetic manipulation of airway epithelial cells. The latter effort involves the use of in vitro cultures of airway epithelial cells derived from knockout mice and the development of efficient methods for the delivery of DNA to primary epithelial cells.
McCaw, Monte, DVM, PhD
Population Health and Pathobiology
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-8287
E-mail: monte_mccaw@ncsu.edu
Our research focuses on investigating neonatal immune mechanisms to and developing strategies for active immunization of piglets to viral infections. We are utilizing bioassays and quantitative cytokine mRNA PCR to investigate local and systemic cell-mediated immune responses in neonates after infection or novel routes of immunization. We are currently investigating the effects of in utero infection by porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSv) on piglet immune function. Our ultimate goal is to use these results to develop management and vaccination strategies to control viral diseases in neonatal and weaned pigs.
Olivry, Thierry, Dr. Vet.
Department of Clinical Sciences
NCSU, College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Box 8401
4700 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-6276
Email: thierry_olivry@ncsu.edu
My research interests include canine atopic dermatitis and the pathogenesis of animal models of autoimmune diseases, specifically autoimmune disease affecting the epidermal basement membrane (bullous pemphigoid, epidermoysis bullosa acquisita, and variants), as well as autoimmune alopecias (alopecia areata and variants).
Selgrade, Mary Jane, PhD
Immunotoxicology Branch
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone: (919) 541-1821
email: selgrade.maryjane@epa.gov
Research interests center around the interactions between xenobiotic compounds (ambient and indoor air pollutants) and the immune system and consequent effects on susceptibility to infectious and allergic disease. The laboratory has developed several infectivity and allergy models in laboratory rodents. The focus is to understand the effects that exposure to environmental agents may have on both local and systemic immune responses, the underlying mechanisms associated with these effects, and the consequent impact on susceptibility to disease.
Sikes, Michael, PhD
Department of Microbiology
Pylon Building, Campus Box 7615
621 Hutton Street
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-0528
E-mail: mike_sikes@ncsu.edu
The human genome contains no more than 30,000-50,000 different genes. Despite this limitation, our lymphocytes recognize an almost limitless array of different pathogens by expressing more than 1 billion different antigen receptors. Since it would be impossible for any one cell to have so many antigen receptor genes, we have evolved a process of gene rearrangement, known as V(D)J recombination, that assembles antigen receptor genes from large pools of coding segments in developing lymphocytes.
Evidence suggests that the patterning of V(D)J recombination is regulated by precisely timed changes in the accessibility of individual coding segments to the recombinase proteins. My research focuses on dissecting the tissue- and development-specific regulation of V(D)J recombination using complementary approaches in isolated cell lines and transgenic mice. To isolate the changes associated with recombinational accessibility, I have engineered a novel recombinase-inducible cell system in which the expression of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)-tagged recombinase can be easily monitored using fluorescent microscopy or FACS.
By analyzing the rearrangement of modified substrates in this cell line, we are beginning to define the minimal control elements critical to each stage of antigen receptor gene assembly. Biochemical and molecular analyses allow us to decipher the mechanism by which each control element alters recombinational accessibility. To date, these studies have defined a clear role for transcriptional promoters and enhancers in regulating both antigen receptor transcription and recombination. Insights gained from these initial cell-based studies will guide targeted mutagenesis of endogenous antigen receptor genes in the mouse, and allow us to test emerging models of recombinational control in the context of normal lymphocyte development.
Suter, Steven, VMD, MS, PhD, ACVIM (Oncology)
Department of Clinical Sciences
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine
4700 Hillsborough St., Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-0813
Email: steven_suter@ncsu.edu
My research interests focus primarily on hematologic malignancies in companion animals, specifically canine and feline lymphoma. Elucidating the underlying molecular abnormalities associated with these diseases, as well as the development of novel therapeutics is the main thrust of my laboratory. Although canine lymphoma is phenotypically and biologically similar to human non-Hodgkin’s diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, it is not known if these diseases share similar genetic perturbations. We aim to begin to elucidate these perturbations in dogs with lymphoma to both enhance dog lymphoma as a pertinent large animal model of human NHL and develop more targeted therapeutics for this disease.
Tompkins, Mary B., DVM, PhD
Population Health and Pathobiology
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine
4700 Hillsborough St, Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 513-6255
Email: mary_tompkins@ncsu.edu
The research in this laboratory is directed towards understanding the immunopathogenesis of feline retrovirus infection. In particular, we are examining mechanisms of virus-induced immunosuppression and persistence, especially alterations in cytokine regulation and cell-mediated immunity. My laboratory has been studying the immunopathogenesis of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is one of the best animal models for HIV infection. Our early studies described alterations in peripheral blood lymphocyte subset numbers, in vivo virus tropism, and disease progression. More recently we have described in detail cytokine dysregulation associated with FIV infection that leads to the inability of the infected cat to mount a successful cell mediated immune response to a secondary intracellular pathogen.
Tompkins, Wayne A., PhD
Population Health and Pathobiology
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine
4700 Hillsborough St, Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 515-7394
e-mail: wayne_tompkins@ncsu.edu
Immunopathogenesis of FIV infection in the cat: a model for human HIV infection. Our laboratory is studying the cellular and molecular basis of T cell dysfunction and progression to AIDS in FIV-infected cats. We are utilizing RT-qcPCR and multi-color flow cytometry to define the receptor phenotype and cytokine profiles of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in FIV-infected cats. We are specifically exploring the role of B7 co-stimulatory molecules and cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta in mediating T cell anergy and apoptosis.
Tonkonogy, Susan, PhD Immunology Program Director
Population Health and Pathobiology
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine
4700 Hillsborough St, Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 513-6252
Email: sue_tonkonogy@ncsu.edu
The overall goal of my research is to identify the molecular mechanisms that regulate the intestinal immune response. Our current approach is to determine the patterns of cytokines produced by T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells isolated from mucosal lymphoid tissue of genetically manipulated rodents that spontaneously develop chronic intestinal inflammation when maintained in specific pathogen free housing. Germ-free rodents with identical genetic alterations do not develop inflammation, implicating the microorganisms that colonize the intestinal tract in the initiation of disease. The long-range goal of these studies is to provide a basis for designing therapeutic strategies aimed towards down-regulating the intestinal immune response that we postulate to be an underlying cause of the chronic inflammation that occurs in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Ward, Marsha, PhD
Immunotoxicology Branch
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone: (919) 541-1193
E-mail: ward.marsha@epamail.epa.gov
Research interests involve the assessment of indoor environmental contaminants, particularly fungi for the potential to cause allergy/asthma using laboratory rodent models. The focus is hazard identification, as well as the identification and characterization of the allergenic proteins. Additionally, there is an interest in the area of food allergy as it relates to genetically modified crops.
Yoder, Jeffrey, PhD
Molecular Biomedical Sciences
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine
4700 Hillsborough St, Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919)-515-7406
E-mail: jeff_yoder@ncsu.edu
Web site: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jayoder/
We are utilizing the experimentally amenable zebrafish for defining the forms and functions of the cell surface components utilized for detection and destruction of infected and transformed cells. Novel immune-type receptors (NITRs) have been identified and characterized from multiple fish species, including the zebrafish. NITRs are similar to the human killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) in their protein architecture and all current data suggests that they may be functional equivalents. The NITR gene cluster in zebrafish encodes 32 individual NITR genes that can be categorized into 12 different gene families and includes both inhibitory (non-killing) and activating (killing) receptors. My laboratory currently employs cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and transgenics to examine the role of NITRs in innate immune function in zebrafish.