My laboratory uses molecular techniques to study various aspects of immune regulation and bacterial pathogenesis. We currently have projects in three different areas. First, periodontal disease affects a majority of adults in this country. We are interested in characterizing the interaction between the host and the bacterial strains implicated in this disease. We have focused on Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a bacterial pathogen that has been implicated in Localized Juvenile Periodontitis and is also seen in some adult forms of the disease. We are studying the regulation of virulence factors by this microorganism. In addition, we have recently begun to characterize the host T cell response to A. actinobacillus.

Second, we have studied the role of T lymphocytes in various autoimmune disorders, particularly myasthenia gravis. Currently, we are using an animal model to ask how aging of the immune system will affect the development of autoimmune disorders. We are very excited by a novel transgenic mouse we recently generated; these mice express the T-AChRa chain at the neuromuscular junction and develop T cell tolerance to the T-AChR. With this new model, we can now address the mechanisms of tolerance and ask whether aging or environmental factors might affect tolerance and/or disease.

Lastly, we have identified a novel DNA binding complex that is produced only in the thymus and appears to play a role in regulating TCR gene rearrangement; current efforts are underway to characterize these regulatory factors. Thus far, we have evidence that a CREB-like protein is involved, but a second T-cell specific factor may also be important. Aberrant rearrangement of immunoglobulin and/or T cell receptor genes has been seen in many lymphomas and leukemias; understanding these regulatory processes may provide critical insight into these diseases.

Click on the following link for additional information on Dr. Kraig:
http://www.uthscsa.edu/csb/faculty/kraig.asp