Links to upgrade your browser. The effects of differentiation on the expression of human papillomavirus genetic information in transfected human keratinocytes is a major interest in the Johnson laboratory. We have been using organotypic culture procedures to raft keratinocytes and initiate differentiation. At times during the differentiation process we transfect these cells with HPV DNA or constructs containing reporters. With PCR multiplex assay procedures we are determining the efficiency of transfection and by Northern analysis and immunoblots determining transcription and translation of the viral genes.
Collaborative studies are underway to identify the formation of capsid structures and virions.
Environmental stressors affecting cell and tissue function and the response to these stressors is another interest in this laboratory. Certain reptilian cells found in the spleen and livers referred to as melanomacrophages because of their content of melanin retain the ability to phagocytize particulate antigens at low temperatures much lower than for mammalian phagocytes. We have become interested in these cells because they may lead to knowledge regarding the human immune system functioning at low temperatures. We have developed methods to isolate these cells in culture and are studying the immunological properties of the cells as a function of temperature. Cold and heat-induced response proteins may be involved during the initiation of these processes.