2009 Faculty Researchers

Bumsuk Hahm, PhD

Sphingolipids regulating the host immunity to viruses

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Department

Surgery and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology

Office Location

NW301C Medical Science Building, One hospital Dr.

Phone #:

Office: (573) 884-3520
Fax: (573) 882-4287

E-mail:

hahmb@missouri.edu

Website:

http://mmi.missouri.edu/bumsuk/bumsuk.php

Summary

The sphingolipids are bioactive lipid mediators regulating multiple cellular conditions and have important therapeutic potential for autoimmune diseases. Indeed, the sphingosine analog FTY720 is a promising immunosuppressant that is currently being tested in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, the sphingolipids’ mechanism of modulating the host immune response upon pathogenic virus infection requires further clarification.

In previous studies, local delivery of a sphingosine analog suppressed antigen presenting dendritic cell (DC) activation leading to the inhibition of influenza virus-specific T cell expansion and alleviated immunopathologic effect caused by influenza virus infection (Mol. Pharmacol. 2008. 7403, 896-903; PNAS 2009. In press). In this project, we will define the precise effects of diverse sphingolipids on multiple DC responses against cytopathic influenza virus and chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) Cl 13 that establishes a persistent infection. The long-term goal of our research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which sphingolipids affect the host immune response to virus infections. Our research will have immediate clinical implications for the treatment of virus-induced immunopathology and/or immune-mediated clearance of a chronic virus such as hepatitis C virus in humans.

A student will directly work with an experienced postdoctor in the laboratory to learn and perform experiments, and discuss the data with the professor for this project. The study will involve the use of animal mice models, viruses, and diverse technical approaches including immunofluorescence, RNA and protein analyses, and immune cell activation assay. Accordingly, the student is expected to learn basic scientific knowledge in the field of Virology and Immunology, experimental approaches on the bench, and its potential for the clinical application.