Neonates are born with deficiencies in the immune system which predispose newborn infants to bacterial sepsis. The problem is exacerbated in premature, low birth weight babies, and cannot be corrected by antibody infusion. We are now studying the molecular mechanisms by which cytokines stimulate C3 and C9 production in cultured hepatoma cells and in neonatal and adult rat liver cells.
Cytokines work through receptors and kinases to help provide regulation of many cellular processes.
They have been shown to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of several complement proteins, but their role in neonatal development has not been investigated. The latter studies relate to mental retardation and to the sequelae of stroke. The Feldhoff lab also participates in an ongoing collaboration with Drs. Lynne Houck and Steve Arnold at Oregon State University concerning the effects of courtship pheromones on reproductive behavior in Plethodontid salamanders. The work at the University of Louisville focuses on the purification and biochemical characterization of the pheromones using contemporary techniques in protein biochemistry and molecular biology.