My primary interest involves the study of animal genetic diseases as models for human genetic diseases. Gene transfer techniques aimed to replace defective genes with functional genes in diseased animals have become one of my major interests in this specific area. Vast understanding of the viral vectors utilized in these techniques is essential for effective gene therapy procedures. Therefore, understanding the basic biology of viruses and viral-host interactions is extremely important to improve their use as vehicles for gene therapy. My research interests within virology are broad including viral entry, genes that confer virulence, and tissue tropism. Learning about the molecular biology of viruses and the viral infection will aid in the development of safe and effective viral vectors to improve gene therapy techniques utilized as treatments for genetic diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31RR005074-05
Application #
6701274
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ALTX-4 (03))
Program Officer
Chang, Michael
Project Start
2000-02-01
Project End
Budget Start
2004-02-01
Budget End
2005-01-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$29,870
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
Sanchez, Melissa D; Pierson, Theodore C; Degrace, Marciela M et al. (2007) The neutralizing antibody response against West Nile virus in naturally infected horses. Virology 359:336-48
Davis, Carl W; Nguyen, Hai-Yen; Hanna, Sheri L et al. (2006) West Nile virus discriminates between DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR for cellular attachment and infection. J Virol 80:1290-301
Pierson, Theodore C; Sanchez, Melissa D; Puffer, Bridget A et al. (2006) A rapid and quantitative assay for measuring antibody-mediated neutralization of West Nile virus infection. Virology 346:53-65
Milstone, Aaron M; Petrella, JenniElizabeth; Sanchez, Melissa D et al. (2005) Interaction with coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, but not with decay-accelerating factor (DAF), induces A-particle formation in a DAF-binding coxsackievirus B3 isolate. J Virol 79:655-60
Hanna, Sheri L; Pierson, Theodore C; Sanchez, Melissa D et al. (2005) N-linked glycosylation of west nile virus envelope proteins influences particle assembly and infectivity. J Virol 79:13262-74
Sanchez, Melissa D; Pierson, Theodore C; McAllister, Douglas et al. (2005) Characterization of neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus. Virology 336:70-82
Puffer, Bridget A; Pohlmann, Stefan; Edinger, Aimee L et al. (2002) CD4 independence of simian immunodeficiency virus Envs is associated with macrophage tropism, neutralization sensitivity, and attenuated pathogenicity. J Virol 76:2595-605