Research/Areas of Interest
Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major public health burden, and lung inflammation is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality from IAV infection. A recently discovered viral protein called PA-X is an endoribonuclease which selectively cleaves host mRNA. Previous studies in mice have shown that infection with IAV lacking PA-X causes greater inflammation compared to wild-type IAV infection. My work in the Gaglia lab will use air-liquid interface cultures and mouse models to explore the specific ways in which PA-X alters innate immune signaling in the lungs during infection. If we can better understand the effects of PA-X on the host immune response, we could use this information to improve influenza treatments.
Advisor: Marta Gaglia, PhD
Education
BA, Biology, Boston University Boston, MA