BACK

A major focus is on studying the immune response and function of a newly discovered group of variable surface proteins of Treponema pallidum (the bacterium that causes syphilis) called Treponema pallidum repeat (Tpr) proteins.  Immunization with the Tpr proteins is partially protective against T. pallidum challenge, but there is strain-to-strain variation in these proteins.  Other potential vaccine candidates are being identified by looking for surface molecules that can be opsonized by immune serum or identified by molecular subtraction or genomic analysis approaches.  Another research emphasis is on determining the role of cytokine expression by immune cells in the primate model of chlamydial pelvic inflammatory disease.  It is hoped that understanding the role of cytokines in persistent infection will help in understanding the pathophysiology of chronic PID and its role in infertility.