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Shan Lu, Ph.D.,M.D.Academic Role: Professor
Faculty Appointment(s) In:
Other Affiliation(s):
Immunogenicity of Protein Antigens
Office: Research 304
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Our
main interest is to understand the immunogenicity of protein
antigens. The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) envelope
proteins (Env) is used as a model system in our lab. Env, a two-subunit
protein, is generated during the posttranslational cleavage process
from a single precursor polyprotein. Env heterodimers are further
organized into an oligomeric complex. Env conformation is critical
for the interaction of HIV-1 with a number of viral receptors.
Our work is to understand the immunogenicity of various Env subunits
from different HIV-1 strains and to find the Env structures that
HIV-1 uses to escape from host immune surveillance. Such information
will be used to design noval HIV-1 vaccines. Direct DNA immunization
using eukaryotic expression vectors to make proteins in vivo is
a unique approach we have been using to study the immunogenicity
of protein antigens. We are also working to further improve this
evolving technology by studying the roles of cytokines and adjuvants
in inducing the desired immune responses by direct DNA immunization.
55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01655