November 23, 2022
Robin Orozco to present Division of Biology Seminar
Submitted by Division of Biology
Robin Orozco, assistant professor in the department of molecular biosciences at the University of Kansas, will present "Autoimmunity Associated Allele of Tyrosine Phosphatase, PTPN22, Influences Anti-Viral and Anti-Tumor Immune Responses" as part of the Division of Biology Seminar Series at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, in 221 Ackert Hall.
Allelic variation in genes associated with regulating immune responses potentially impact an individual's response to foreign and self-antigens. With the increase in genome wide association studies, more mutations in immune-related genes are being associated with protective or pathologic consequences during disease. However, many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these mutations may influence disease remain largely unknown. To address this, we use a variety of transgenic murine models to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms a particular mutation is impacting viral replication, immune cell function, and viral associated pathologies. Currently, the lab studies the contribution of the common pro-autoimmune allele of PTPN22 — rs2476601 — in regulating the balance between protection and pathology during virus infection. Results of this work help to better understand how a commonly expressed allele in the human population drives differing immunological responses and expands on the immunological mechanisms to overcome persistent virus infection.
If you would like to visit with Orozco, please contact Kalyani Pyaram at kpyaram@k-state.edu.