Research

Shams, Homayoun, Ph.D.

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Contact: amir.shams@uthct.edu

Research Interest:

  • Immunobiology and molecular pathogenesis of infectious diseases. These areas are critical for the design and implementation of vaccine strategies.
  • The role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in adaptive immunity to tuberculosis.
  • Identification of immunogenic peptides of M. tuberculosis is important to develop diagnostic tests for latent tuberculosis infection and to understand the nature of protective immunity against tuberculosis.
  • Basic mechanisms responsible for the generation and function of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) in mucosal immunity and memory responses.

Current Projects:

  1. Identification of immunogenic peptides of M. tuberculosis proteins.
  2. Evaluation of novel tests to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection.

Lay Summary:
The AIDS epidemic, the spread of new microbial pathogens such as the SARS virus, the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens and the threat of bioterrorism are clear indications that infectious diseases will remain an enormous threat to the public health in the 21st century. A concerted scientific effort is required to deal with this ongoing problem.

Tuberculosis causes two million deaths annually world-wide, and the spread of HIV and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has resulted in increasing mortality rates. Development of an effective vaccine against tuberculosis would have a major impact on public health throughout the world. We are working to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens that elicit adaptive immunity, as such antigens are critical for inclusion in a vaccine against tuberculosis. The diagnosis of latent tuberculosis is a high public health priority for the United States, as treatment can prevent future development of tuberculosis and spread of disease. The only tool that is widely used to diagnose latent tuberculosis is the tuberculin skin test, which is non-specific and logistically difficult to administer. We are working to identify M. tuberculosis antigens that can be used to detect latent tuberculosis infection with a convenient blood test. Accurate diagnosis of latent tuberculosis will facilitate identification and treatment of these individuals.

Selected Papers and Abstracts: