Thomas Sorrell Sciences
The role of Protectin (CD59) in intracellular recognition of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
Scholars Journal
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of eight pathogenic herpes viruses known to be infectious to humans and pose a serious risk to immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients and HIV/AIDS patients. Current antiviral therapies are limited by toxicity and rising drug resistance. While much research has focused on adaptive immunity, the role of complement system components remains poorly understood. The complement system is a first line of defense, using over 30 proteins across classical, lectin, and alternative pathways to fight infection. In this study, Thomas will investigate the role of Protectin (CD59), a complement regulator that inhibits the membrane attack complex, in HCMV immune evasion. Using a yeast-two-hybrid screen with an HCMV gene library, he will identify HCMV-CD59 interactions, shedding light on novel viral immune evasion mechanisms.
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Mentor: Fenyong Liu, Public Health