The central research theme in my laboratory focuses on microbial pathogenesis and microbe-host interactions as related to humoral and cell mediated immunity in poultry. Respiratory diseases in poultry as a result of Mycoplasmal infections and avian pasteurellosis (fowl cholera)are primary research areas. Current research includes the cloning and sequencing of the genes coding for adhisisn(s) in Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae and analysis of other membrane surface antigens that play a crucial role in cell-cell interactions, immune evasion and pathogenesis. Characterization of chicken tracheal ciliary receptors for M. gallisepticum adhesins constitute an integral part of the reasearch. Development and application of monoclonal antibodies for identification of membrane proteins associated with unique functional mechanisms, cloning of genes and genetic manipulations of M. gallisepticum, M. synoviae and M. iowae are primary activities. The hybridoma laboratory core facility under my direction functions as a nucleus providing guidance and training for development and application of monoclonal antibodies to a variety of antibody based techniques in biomedical research within the College of Veterinary Medicine.
