Although macrophages possess the capability of producing IL-12, the parasites are actively suppressing the cells' ability to produce this cytokine. Research in my laboratory focuses on the basis of host immunity to microbial pathogens. In particular, we are examining cellular and molecular responses to the opportunistic protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, using the mouse as an experimental model. The research in my laboratory is directed towards dissecting early events involved in immunity to this parasite. Role of neutrophils during toxoplasmosis.
Neutrophils are notableas one of the first cell types to arrive at a site of infection.
Recently,we found that PMN are an important early source of IL-12, and that these cells actually prestore the cytokine even in the absence of ongoing infection. We are currently assessing the effects of PMN depletion on the immune response in mice, examining neutrophil interactions with other cells of the immune system, and determining the spectrum of cytokines released by PMN during infection. Further work is directed at localizing the prestored IL-12 at the subcellular level. Host intracellular signaling pathways during Toxoplasma infection. Toxoplasma is an intracellular parasite, residing within a specialized vacuole where it replicates until the host cell ruptures.