The Center for the Study of Immune Mechanisms of Flavivirus Control is supported by the NIH and is comprised of five projects and two Cores, integrated into a Program of study aimed at defining the immune mechanisms that control West Nile virus infection. These unique projects feature comparative analyses of the emergent, virulent strain of WNV and a non-emergent, avirulent WNV strain. Results from these studies are providing novel insights to guide vaccine and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating flavivirus infection.

Project 1:
Dr. Michael Gale, Jr. and Dr. Michael Diamond
This project aims to define the viral and host genetic determinants, and the cell-specific pathways, that control alpha/beta interferon innate immune defenses against infection

Project 2:
Dr. Edward Clark
This project is focused on understanding the interactions of WNV, innate immune programs and dendritic cells (DCs), that govern DC function and regulate B cell production of an effective antibody response against infection.

Project 3:
Dr. Murali Krishna-Kaja
This project aims to determine the role of alpha/beta interferon in regulating T cell activation and effector function against WNV

Project 4:
Dr. Michael Bevan
This project is designed to determine the role of CD8 T cells and the parameters of an effective CD8 response in controlling WNV infection.

Project 5:
Dr. Jennifer Lund
This project is focused on defining the role of T regulatory cells in WNV infection and immunity.

Administrative and Virology Cores:
Management and research infrastructure support for the Program will be respectively conducted through an Administrative Core and a Virology Core.

Nanette Crochet
Program Manager and Center Administrator

Dr. Yueh-Ming Loo
Director, Virology Core