My research interests are host-pathogen interactions and immunology. As a first year Microbiology student, I have not selected a thesis lab yet. However, I will select a thesis lab after I complete three lab rotations over the course of this year. The lab that I am presently rotating through (Dr. McMahon-Pratt) focuses on the protozoa Leishmania. I also plan to rotate through Dr. Ruddle's lab where the focus is on the cytokines LT/TNF, and their role in inflammation in diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, and Dr. Iwasaki's lab, where I will study the herpes simplex virus. My proposal is based on the work I would do if I chose to stay with my first lab rotation mentor, Dr. McMahon-Pratt's lab. The main objective of my proposal is to examine the interaction of Leishmania amastigote P-8 glycolipids, toll-like receptors, and apolipoprotein E (ApoE).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM069181-02
Application #
6784039
Study Section
Minority Programs Review Committee (MPRC)
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2003-09-01
Project End
2008-05-31
Budget Start
2004-09-01
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$40,922
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520
Whitaker, Shanta M; Colmenares, Maria; Pestana, Karen Goldsmith et al. (2008) Leishmania pifanoi proteoglycolipid complex P8 induces macrophage cytokine production through Toll-like receptor 4. Infect Immun 76:2149-56