Medical Immunology Commons^™

Mitochondrial Nad Metabolism In T Cell Responses, Alicia Marie Bostwick-Galaviz

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Metabolism is critical to CD8 T cell differentiation and response to intracellular infections and cancer. Mitochondrial NAD is a key component of cellular metabolism; however, the biology of this metabolite in CD8 T cells is poorly understood due to limitations of existing NAD analysis techniques. In this thesis, we develop the mitochondrial NAD redox index and capacity analysis (RICA) assay, a powerful flow-cytometry based technique for assessing mitochondrial NAD content and redox state in living cells. We use this assay to profile mitochondrial NAD dynamics across the course of CD8 T cell differentiation and in multiple in vitro and ex …

Development Of An Indirect Elisa Kit For Measurement Of Circulating Thyroid Peroxidase Levels In Patients With Hypothyroidism, Aulanni’Am Aulanni’Am, Devi Ramadani, Almas Dwi Khairana, Saidun Fiddaroini, Muhammad Fikri Nur, Andreas Budi Wijaya, Rulli Rosandi, Dyah Kinasih Wuragil, Wibi Riawan

Makara Journal of Science

Hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, affects approximately 5% of the population, especially women, thus increasing pregnancy-related risks. Conventional screening mainly measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). Detecting the presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies indi-cates autoimmune thyroid disease. This study developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for detecting circulating TPO using polyclonal antibodies generated in rabbits. TPO was isolated from positive sera of pa-tients with hypothyroidism, purified by electroelution, and confirmed as a 52-kDa protein by Western blot. Rabbits immunized with this protein produced polyclonal antibodies with the highest titer (OD = 0.334) at …

Metabolic Regulation And Immunity In The Spaceflight Environment, Graeme Grainger, Riley Dienna, Astrid Senko, Angela Cebula, Arden Rodriguez Arden Rodriguez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Long-duration spaceflight exposes astronauts to chronic ionizing radiation and microgravity that disrupts homeostasis in the immune system and cellular metabolism. While simulated spaceflight models demonstrate altered T-cell polarization and sex-dependent shifts toward regulatory phenotypes, the metabolic mechanisms driving these immune changes remain unclear. Immune cell function is tightly linked to metabolic programming, with effector T cells relying on glycolysis and regulatory T cells favoring oxidative metabolism, making them highly sensitive to shifts in nutrient availability and redox balance. Emerging research further suggests that neutrophils act as metabolic regulators capable of reshaping the immune microenvironment through oxidative stress, cytokine production, and …

Plasma And Extracellular Vesicle–Enriched Protein Profiles In Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Aryana Amin, Rutviben P. Shah Bds, Dhvani Parikh Mph, Niki Mirhosseini Bs, Baharan Fekry Phd, Donyea L. Moore, Mahboobeh Mahdavinia Md, Phd

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Vaccination For Patients With Immunosuppression And Altered Immunity: A Workgroup Report From The Aaaai Adverse Reactions To Drugs, Biologics, And Vaccines Committee And The Autoimmunity And Altered Immune Response Committee, Sam Pope Phd, Jd

Faculty Publications

Abstract

Vaccination, a fundamental strategy for infectious disease prevention, presents unique challenges in individuals with altered immunity. These populations include individuals with inborn errors of immunity, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, solid organ transplants, hematopoietic stem cell transplants, biologic and immunosuppressive therapies, and pregnancy. Despite concerns regarding variable vaccine responses, altered efficacy, and safety profiles, these groups remain under-represented in clinical trials. This review synthesizes current evidence on immunization outcomes in medically complex populations, highlighting strengths and limitations in existing research. We describe how altered immunity affects vaccine responses, summarize data on adverse reactions, and examine the influence of biologic therapies …

Sirt1 And Ifi16 Cooperatively Regulate Hbv Replication Via Epigenetic Modulation And Innate Immune Activation, Zahra Zahid Piracha, Umar Saeed, Neelam Abid, Syed Shahan Gilani, Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Akhtar Chughtai, Areesha Wasti, Muhammad Waseem, Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Andromeda M. Nauli, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) establishes persistent infection through the formation of a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome, which enables immune evasion and sustained viral replication. While SIRT1, IFI16, and STING are known to modulate antiviral pathways, their cooperative role in regulating HBV transcription and host immunity remains poorly defined.

Methods

We investigated the functional interplay between SIRT1, IFI16, and STING using confocal microscopy, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), gene silencing, and quantitative PCR in HBV-replicating cell models. Interactions with HBV cccDNA and effects on viral transcription and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression were analyzed. Northern blotting and RT-qPCR were used to …

Increased Neural Activity In The Bed Nucleus Of The Stria Terminalis Of Uninfected Canaries After Observation Of Infected Conspecifics, Madeleine Chang, Sophia Santangelo, Devon Comito, Bennett Hardy, Patricia C. Lopes

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Recent evidence suggests that the immune system may be upregulated in anticipation of pathogen exposure, yet the neural mechanisms that respond to and signal impending infection risk remain poorly understood. We investigated neural responses to infection risk in uninfected hosts observing infected conspecifics, using the canary (Serinus canaria domestica)—Mycoplasma gallisepticum host–parasite system. We focused on five brain regions of interest, comprising three nodes of the social decision-making network—preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and hippocampus—a stress modulatory region (paraventricular nucleus) and a visual processing region (nucleus rotundus). After 1 h of observing infected canaries, …

Biodegradable Pcl–Plga Electrospun Nanofibers For Localized Cancer Therapy, Rahul Tiwari, Pranav, Joel Delossantos, Eswara N.H.K. Ghali, Luis Chavez, Vishal Sharad Chaudhari, Songyang Han, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

Localized chemotherapy offers a promising strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the systemic toxicity of conventional cancer treatment, particularly following tumor resection. Electrospun nanofibers are well suited for this purpose due to their high porosity, extracellular matrix-mimicking architecture, and capacity for localized drug release. In this study, electrospun nanofibers based on PCL and PLGA were developed for localized cancer therapy. Three distinct nanofibrous architectures were fabricated: PCL nanofibers, PCL−PLGA blended nanofibers, and PCL−PLGA multilayered (tetra-layered) nanofibers, and their encapsulation efficiency was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform, bead-free nanofibrous morphologies, while Fourier transform infrared …

Developing Antibodies Against Galectin-3 And Galectin-9 To Target Endometriosis, Ashleigh Burger, Noah Farnsworth, Jared J. Reisnouer, Cheyenne Vue

2026 Symposium

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by pelvic pain and the formation of endometrial-like tissue on the outside of the uterine lining. This condition affects nearly 10% of women across the globe and confirming whether someone has endometriosis requires visualization in surgery. While the specific causes of this disease remain unclear, the over-expression of the Galectins 3 and 9 in ectopic endometrial tissues suggests a role in the development and maintenance of the condition. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific proteins with potential as diagnostic or treatment tools. The goal of this study is to generate antibodies against Gal3 and Gal9. …

Novel Biomarker Discovery In Multiple Sclerosis, Manisha Gangasani

Honors Theses

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disorder affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. Patients experience cognitive, motor, autonomic, and emotional symptoms that often overlap with other neurological conditions, making early diagnosis challenging. Current diagnostic criteria require evidence of lesions with dissemination in time and space. Racial disparities in MS outcomes are well documented, with Black individuals often exhibiting greater disease severity, higher relapse rates, and increased disability compared to White individuals. These differences likely reflect a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and healthcare access factors, underscoring the need to improve early diagnosis and reduce inequities in care. …

Platelet Gαz Regulates Ovarian Tumor Growth And Mediates The Effects Of Chronic Stress, María G. Torres Carrizalez

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Ovarian cancer is the most aggressive gynecologic cancer, with 12,450 estimated deaths in 2026. Elevated platelet counts are commonly observed in patients with ovarian cancer and are associated with enhanced tumor growth and poor prognosis. Patients with ovarian cancer are frequently exposed to elevated levels of stress, which has been correlated with accelerated disease progression and increased mortality. Interestingly, the platelet Gαz protein is activated by epinephrine through the α2A-adrenergic receptor, suggesting a potential mechanistic link between stress signaling and platelet-driven tumor progression. To investigate this, I evaluated the role of platelet Gαz in ovarian cancer using control (Gz^{fl/fl …}

Determining Zap-70 Signaling Pathways Mediated By Ccr7 In Tcr T Cell Activation, Vivian Torres

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Activation of T lymphocytes is the main event that occurs in the adaptive immune response after engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) with the peptide of the major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecules that are demonstrated by antigen presenting cells [1]. A key step in this process is the recruitment and activation of the zeta chain associated protein of 70 kDa (ZAP-70). ZAP-70 couples TCR engagement to downstream intracellular signaling pathways through phosphorylation of tyrosine residues within intracellular tyrosine activation motifs (ITAMs) [2]. Although there have been extensive studies on the signaling response through TCR activation, the regulatory influence of …

Contribution Of The M1 Vs M2 Phenotype Toward Macrophage Interactions With Streptococcus Mutans, The Dominant Bacteria In The Oral Cavity, Isabelle K. Wintz

Honors Thesis

We are all exposed to numerous pathogens every day. One of the sites for pathogens to interact with our body is in the mouth. To better understand these interactions between bacteria and host immune cells, I developed an assay to study the oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans and inflammatory macrophages. Our hypothesis was that the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-y would alter macrophage phenotypes with IL-4 reducing inflammatory responses and IFN-y increasing inflammation.  To test this, we performed experiments in cell culture as a first step toward understanding the severity of the host response at the cellular and molecular levels. Our results …

Analyzing The Effect Of Melatonin On B Cells' Expression Of Cd36, Caitlyn Pinaga, Gabriella Galdeano, Nayi Gonzalez, Emma Welsch

Posters - 2026

• B cells specifically target pathogens and proliferate to make a plasma cell and secrete antibodies when stimulated. They use glucose as a main energy source but can also use fatty acids. • CD36 is a glycoprotein involved in the transportation and metabolism of fatty acids. • B cells express CD36 in unusually high levels in autoimmune patients. It is unknown as to how this occurs. • Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland, commonly known for its function in regulating the circadian rhythm. • Melatonin is also known as a master cell regulator and is believed to …

Efficacy And Safety Of Stem Cell-Based Interventions For Burn Wound Healing: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Pre-Clinical And Early Clinical Evidence, Prayuth Poowaruttanawiwit, Patsanan Kulla, Naveeya Pakpoomkamonlert

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Burn injuries remain a major therapeutic challenge, with conventional treatments often failing to achieve complete functional skin regeneration. Stem cell-based interventions, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and exosome derivatives, have demonstrated regenerative and immunomodulatory potential, yet their translation to clinical practice remains limited.
Objectives: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell-based therapies for burn wound healing across pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Materials and Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane) were searched through April 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and controlled pre-clinical …

Protocol For Spatial Profiling Of Immune Cells In The Mouse Cornea And Conjunctiva Using Nanostring Geomx Dsp And Ncounterpro Platforms, Lois Kim, Karthikeyan Ramasamy, Ajay Sharma

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Quantification of immune cells and their activation status in a spatially specific manner in a healthy or diseased tissue is a valuable tool in immunology. Here, we present a protocol for the spatial profiling of immune cells in the mouse cornea and conjunctiva. We describe steps for immunostaining with photocleavable oligonucleotide-conjugated antibodies, selecting regions of interest (ROIs), and collecting UV-cleaved oligonucleotides using GeoMx DSP. We then detail procedures for hybridizing collected oligonucleotides, cartridge blotting using nCounter Pro Prep, data acquisition, and data analysis.

Immunoregulatory Effects Of Choerospondias Axillaris (Roxb.) B.L.Burtt & A.W.Hill Fruit Extract In Mice With Insights On In Vitro Mechanism, Ravi Gautam, Anju Maharjan, Jaehee Lee, Sujeong Yang, Jihun Jo, Manju Acharya, Daeun Lee, Narayan Prasad Ghimire, Saroj Lamichhane, Byungsun Min, Changyul Kim, Hyoungah Kim, Yong Heo

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris), a plant native to Nepal, has been traditionally used in Asian countries to treat cardiovascular conditions. However, its effects on immune regulatory function remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to in vivo evaluate the immunoregulatory properties of Lapsi fruit extract in mice on immunotoxic responses with analysis on in vitro mechanism for immune suppression, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Male Balb/c mice were intragastrically administered various doses of the extract for 21 days. In some mice, immune suppression was induced with cyclophosphamide, and subsequent immune recovery was assessed. In addition, RAW264.7 cells and THP-1-derived macrophages were …

Cross-Reactive Immunity And Antibody-Dependent Enhancement Of Sars-Cov-2 Antibodies During Subsequent Influenza A Virus Infection, Nur Hidayah Nor Isamuddin

Student Works (2020-2029)

The simultaneous circulation of COVID-19 and influenza A presents a major public health challenge in Malaysia, where both viruses are widespread and continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the successful rollout of COVID-19 vaccination programs and the development of natural immunity among recovered individuals, the potential interactions between SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and other prevalent respiratory diseases, such as influenza A, remain poorly understood. This research was undertaken to address this critical gap, focusing on two key immunological phenomena which are cross-reactive immunity, where antibodies generated by one infection may neutralize another virus, and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where antibodies may …

Metabolic Responses To Freund’S Adjuvants And Oncolytic Viruses: Implications On Vaccines And Tumor Immunity, Kiruthiga Mone

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Freund’s adjuvants have been extensively used in experimental research, and they modulate immune responses through various mechanisms. While both complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) contain the same mineral oil base, CFA contains the killed extract of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) as an additional ingredient. Because the CFA contains mycobacterial content similar to that of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which induces trained immunity (TI), we tested the hypothesis that CFA may elicit TI-like features. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming induced by CFA, with IFA and BCG as controls, in inbred …

The Impact Of Human Myoblasts On Macrophage Polarization In A Coculture Model, Elisabeth Ann Stodola

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the lower extremities that occludes blood flow, and affects over 200 million people worldwide. Without effective treatment, PAD can lead to claudication, ischemia, ulcers, and gangrene. PAD causes more amputations in the United States than any other condition, and for severe cases that require revascularization, procedures benefit fewer than 50% of patients. This demonstrates a clear need for alternative therapies. Potential therapies for PAD target expansion of collateral blood vessels around the area of occlusion – a process called arteriogenesis to compensate for loss of blood flow …