The MIEP team will utilize integrated modeling, bioinformatics (i.e., transcriptomics and proteomics) and immunology approaches (i.e., FACS, ELISA, proliferation and cytokine production assays) to characterize T cell responses to Helicobacter pylori and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC).

Normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) will be obtained from healthy volunteers previously exposed to these gastroenteric pathogens to study the immunoregulatory mechanisms controlling the response of T cells to antigens. The PBMC will be cultured in the lab and exposed to antigens to:

1)   Quantify antigen-specific immune responses based on cytokine production and proliferation following antigenic stimulation.

2)   Perform high-throughput proteomics and transcriptomic analyses to evaluate the phenotype of these immune cells and how re-exposure to antigenic determinants from these bacteria modulates their function.

3)   Test the effect of novel immune therapeutics on the activity of human PBMC.

The immunological data generated will be used to calibrate and validate MIEP’s computational and mathematical models of immune responses to enteric pathogens. The full integration of the modeling, bioinformatics and immunology experimental approaches will facilitate the discovery of novel unforeseen therapeutic targets.

Human subjects recruitment has been initiated. An announcement has been posted on Sept 28, 2011 to recruit volunteers who would like to participate in this project.