Section: Research

Postdoctoral Position Available

Evelyn Kurt-Jones, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Medicine

Other Affiliation(s):
   Center for AIDS Research
   Infectious Diseases and Immunology
   Program in Immunology and Virology

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

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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.