Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Student
Research | Publications | Awards | Posters & Presentations
 |
Marwa Khalil
|
Education
Ain Shams University-Cairo, Egypt (BSc)
Helwan University-Cairo, Egypt (MSc)
Research
Research interests:
I am investigating the mechanistic relationship between malnutrition and increased L. donovani visceralizationIn in a murine model of moderate childhood malnutrition. I found that PND led to a 4-5-fold increase in early visceralization of L. donovani (3 d.p.i) and a 16-fold decrease in LN barrier function (p<0.04 for all). There was no difference in the localization of multiple cell populations in the LN of PND mice, but there were fewer CD11c+dendritic cells, MOMA-2+macrophages (Mφ), and CD169+ subcapsular sinus (SCS) M&phi (p<0.05 for all) compared to the well-nourished (WN) mice. SCS M&phi plays a key role in the lymph filtration and the transmigration of different particulates to the LN (10). Accordingly, there was greater retention of L. donovani in the SCS in the LN of the PND mice. PND infected mice showed altered expression of the chemokines required for DC trafficking and retention in the LN. CCL2 and CCL7 expression was decreased (p<0.05 for all) and CCL21 and CCL19 expression was increased in LN and spleen, with dramatically increased localization of CCL21 in the LN high endothelial venule (HEV) (p<0.05 for all). The LN of PND mice had fewer CCR7+ and CCR2+ DC (p<0.01). Using fluorescent parasites we found the parasite associated with the LN conduit network and, there was evidence of altered conduit function as a fluorescent 10 KD dextran showed greater efflux from the LN conduit system to the spleens of PND mice (p<0.04).
Awards
Travel award from ASTMH (American Society of tropical medicine and hygiene)
Poster & Presentations
-
"Lymph node dysfunction in experimental model of malnutrition and visceral leishmaniasis"
Poster presentation in ASTMH 12-2011 -
"Lymph node dysfunction in experimental model of malnutrition and visceral leishmaniasis"
Poster presentation in McLaughlin Colloquium 4-2012
