Immune responses to microorganisms and their products. The focus is currently on mucosal immunity to gastrointestinal pathogens, especially in neonatal animals. My major research interest is in immune responses to pathogens and their products. The focus is currently on mucosal immune responses in pigs infected with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus. PRRS virus causes a range of clinical signs in pigs, depending on the age of the animal. Lung (alveolar) macrophages are a major target for PRRS virus infection and replication, and in vitro studies are focused on interaction between PRRS virus and the porcine alveolar macrophage. I also retain an interest in evaluating the mucosal immune response to Cryptosporidium parvum, a zoonotic protozoan that causes diarrheal disease in humans and neonatal calves.
