Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Targeting Early Events In Herpetic Stromal Keratitis, Fernanda Giménez

Doctoral Dissertations

Herpetic stromal keratitis [HSK] is an immunoinflammatory corneal lesion caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 [HSV] infection. SK is usually the consequence of virus reactivation from latency in the trigeminal ganglion. Studies in animal models have revealed that SK lesions are orchestrated mainly by CD4+T cells that infiltrate the corneal stroma. However, prior to this immunoinflammatory phase, multiple events occur that set the stage for subsequent pathology. These include production of cytokines and chemokines, infiltration of innate immune cells and neovascularization of the avascular cornea.

The first part of this dissertation reviews literature regarding the current understanding of human …

Brown And Beige Adipocytes: Effects Of Inflammation And Nutritional Intervention, Jiyoung Bae

Doctoral Dissertations

Recent findings of brown adipocytes and brown-like or beige adipocytes, capable of dissipating energy as heat, in adult humans have promised new hope for obesity treatment and prevention. Understanding of the regulation of brown and beige adipocytes will provide novel strategies to reach the goal. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) are responsible for inflammation in adipose tissue, which leads to adipose dysfunction and obesity associated chronic diseases. It has been shown that PRR activation induces inflammation, leading to insulin resistance in white adipocytes and white adipose tissue (WAT). However, the roles of PRR activation in brown adipocytes and brown adipose tissue …

Role Of Microrna-155 In Herpes Simplex Virus Pathogenesis, Siddheshvar Bhela

Doctoral Dissertations

Ocular infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can result in a chronic immunoinflammatory stromal keratitis (SK) lesion that is a significant cause of human blindness. These lesions are mainly orchestrated by IFN-gamma producing CD4+ T cells (Th1) and neutrophils. HSV being neurotropic in nature can also disseminate into the brain and lead to herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). In this study we investigated the role of miR-155 in the pathogenesis of HSK and HSE.

The first part of the dissertation (I) reviews literature regarding the contribution of miRNAs in innate and adaptive immune responses. It also focuses on their involvement …