Section: Research

Raymond Welsh, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
   Pathology

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

Viral and Tumor Immunology

The focus of our research is on analyzing basic mechanisms of viral immunology and immunopathology. To do this, we study mouse model infections with a variety of viruses, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, murine cytomegalovirus, vaccinia virus, Pichinde virus, mouse hepatitis virus, herpes simplex virus, polyomavirus, and others. Our laboratory has demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells become activated during viral infections and contribute to the natural resistance against viruses. We are currently examining which viral gene products are important in the sensitivity to NK cells and which functions of NK cells are important for their antiviral activity. The second major aim is to examine the specificities of virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) induced during viral infections and to determine what factors contribute to the development and maintenance of CTL memory. Included in this study is the analysis of apoptosis in activated lymphocyte populations and the demonstration of virus-induced immune deficiency associated with this apoptosis.

Office: S2-244
Phone: 508-856-5819
E-mail: Raymond.Welsh@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Immunology, Virology

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