Section: Research

Rotations

Postdoctoral Position Available

Evelyn Kurt-Jones, Ph.D.

Signaling by receptors on monocytes and macrophages that mediate the innate immune response to bacterial and viral infection.

Research in the laboratory is focused on the role of receptor- mediated events  in the pathogenesis of infectious and inflammatory processes.  In particular, the role of CD14 and Toll-like receptors in the development of an innate immune response is being investigated.  These studies have led to the observation that CD14 and Toll-like receptors mediate responses to a range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Heat shock proteins which are produced by damaged tissues also trigger innate immunity by a CD14-dependent mechanism.

Our studies include the investigation of the signaling pathways utilized by CD14 and Toll-like receptors. We have demonstrated that CD14, which is linked to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane by a lipid-anchor, is physically and functionally linked to heterotrimeric G proteins. Toll-like receptors are linked to the NF-kB signaling pathway. Our studies suggest that CD14 and Toll-like receptors are components of a multimeric receptor complex that is activated by protein and lipid components of pathogens leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Office: LRB 226
Phone: 508-856-3531
Fax: 508-856-6176
E-mail: Evelyn.Kurt-Jones@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Immunology, Virology, Signal Transduction

More on Evelyn Kurt-Jones' Research Research | Publications | Rotations View All Sections on One Page

Postdoctoral Position Available We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow to study toll/interleukin 1 receptors and their role in inflammatory disease pathogenesis using human cells and mouse models. Candidates should have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree, or have completed degree requirements. Experience in immunology, molecular biology and/or biochemistry and publication of papers in the areas of cytokine biology, receptor biochemistry and/or cell signaling required.