          |
|
Mission
Statement
We recognize that novel approaches,
collaboration and open discourse fuel the advancement of
scientific discovery and application. CIVIA intends to propel
scientific understanding of human immunology and infectious
disease forward by advancing technological methodologies,
supporting inventive research, serving as a conduit for
collaboration and promoting exchange of scientific
information. Guided
by the idea that scientific endeavors should not be insular, we
offer interested investigators access to our cutting-edge
technology and resources as well as providing opportunities for
education, training, and a forum for scientific
interchange.
The Center For
Investigating Viral Immunity and Antagonism
CIVIA places a
particular emphasis on identifying ways that viruses interfere
with the generation or functioning of innate immunity, inhibit the
transition to adaptive immunity and block effector functions of
adaptive immunity. CIVIA supports a Technology Development
Component that is building cutting edge methodologies to
evaluate the host-pathogen
response. Investigators use reverse genetics techniques
to create chimeric virus for studying immune antagonism. The
Component is developing assays for each stage of immunity by
conventional means and by utilizing massive qPCR analysis. The
later technique is performed by creating a panel of 50-100 genes
that are activated at each stage of immunity and by PCR monitoring
the response to viruses, and chimeric viruses containing or
suspected of containing immune antagonist. RNA collected for this
analysis will also be tested in allelic imbalance PCR studies to
attempt to identify genetic polymorphism that may influence gene
transcription and ultimately immunity.
This Center draws together
researchers with decades of experience in the study of infectious
agents as well as researchers with other skills that bring new
approaches and perspectives. Several Research projects,
headed by prominent virologists with strong background studying
Category A-C pathogens, are supported by the Center. Project one,
directed by Dr. Peter Palese, investigates the emerging
parainfluenza virus, Nipah (Category C). This contagious virus,
which recently appeared in Southeast
Asia, shows an alarming tendency to jump species
barriers. Its high
mortality rate may indicate that the virus has multiple tools for
interference with immunity.
Dr. Christopher Basler leads project two, which continues
his investigations of the Ebola (Category A) hemorrhagic fever
virus. Ebola is particularly interesting from the immunological
point of view since reports suggest that it may interfere with the
generation of an effective immune response. Additionally, it seems
to show great variation in human susceptibility in that some
patients recover quickly while others progress to death. Dr.
Adolfo Garcia-Sastre directs the third project. In this project he
continues his investigations into the innate immune antagonist
from influenza A virus, NS1 (Category C) . Dr. Garcia-Sastre
generated data demonstrating that in addition to its ability to
inhibit interferon release, the virus also seems to affect the
maturation of dendritic cells.
CIVIA also
supports Pilot projects, which present interested investigators
with the opportunity to explore innovative and novel research
questions centered on human immunology and category A-C
pathogens. The
component allows for the possibility of the stimulation of new
areas of interest for the Technological Development Component and
the production of cutting edge human immunology and Biodefense
research projects while encouraging the development of
translational research skills and experience.
The
Center’s Educational
Component ensures that CIVIA members and the Scientific Community
at large stay abreast of innovation by providing access to the
technologies being developed through the Center, generating
information pertaining to the research being performed within the
Center, as well as informing of advancements and discoveries
happening in the fields of Biodefense and Human Immunology.
CIVIA’s
Clinical/Epidemiology Core establishes the infrastructure to
facilitate the translational research carried out in the
Technology Development Component and the Research and Pilot
Projects in the Center. The core is established at Elmhurst Hospital, located in the heart of
New
York’s famed melting pot, and provides
CIVIA with research samples from a patient population that is one
of the most diverse in the country.
Science needs to
develop a better understanding of potential bioterror infectious
agents and better tools for rapid characterization of their
effects on the human immune system. Because most of the
current technology for studying the immune response to infectious
agents is not human-based, it cannot provide an accurate profile
of the human response generated through an interaction of multiple
cell types and cannot adequately address the genetic variability
in the immune responses of different individuals. In order to address these
limitations, CIVIA is developing a comprehensive suite of
technologies for studying the complex human immune responses to
infectious agents and the mechanisms exploited by pathogens to
modulate this response. The technology we
propose is novel, high-impact, achievable by the unique research
team assembled and will rapidly advance research to improve our
national readiness to natural and intentionally released
agents. Through the
combination of the development of cutting edge technologies,
clinical and research effort, and educational outreach, the work
performed at CIVIA will lead to important progress in
understanding human immunity to infectious
agents.
Select the link below to view CIVIA's
organiazational
structure.
| |
|
