IFN-α, Villain or Hero? |
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| Launch in standalone player | |
| Air date: | Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 4:15:00 PM |
| Category: | Immunology |
| Description: | Dr. Wahl's laboratory studies pathways in innate and regulatory immunity and their role in pathogenesis of inflammatory disease, infection and autoimmunity. In addition to her longstanding interests regarding the pro and anti-inflammatory properties of TGF-β, another focus includes host-pathogen interactions and how phagocytic cells can become unwitting hosts to clever pathogens. In its bid for supremacy over its cellular targets, HIV takes host cell molecules as accomplices in enabling binding, entry, and completion of its life cycle. Although the macrophage is an enabler, it also possesses innate antiviral mechanisms, including APOBEC3 family DNA-editing enzymes. Differential expression of these enzymes, which are largely neutralized by HIV, is associated with viral susceptibility, but IFNx regulates APOBEC to render CD4+ targets tougher combatants to HIV in vitro and in AIDS patients. Although pivotal in host defense, too much IFNx can be detrimental, promoting autoimmune disease. How to harness the good and avoid the bad remains the key question.
The Immunology Interest Group (IIG) organizes activities designed to promote information exchange and interactions among NIH scientists interested in the field of immunology, broadly defined. Interactions are facilitated via weekly meetings on current topics as well as an annual Immunology Retreat. For more information, visit The Immunology Interest Group |
| Author: | Sharon Wahl, Ph.D., Cellular Immunology Section, NIDCR |
| Runtime: | 75 minutes |
| Download: | Download
Video How to download a Videocast |
| CIT File ID: | 14272 |
| CIT Live ID: | 6139 |
| Permanent link: | http://videocast.nih.gov/launch.asp?14272 |