 |
| Jack Friend, a rising
fourth-year medical student at the USA College of Medicine, presents results
from his research project at a meeting of the Association for Research in
Vision and Ophthalmology in Vancouver, British Columbia. |
The research project documented immune responses occurring in the cornea of the eye following an infection by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1). “This is an important area of focus in eye research because HSV-1 is the leading cause of infectious blindness in developed countries around the world,” Friend said.
Using an experimental model, the researchers studied a type of lymphocyte called a gamma delta T cell. They found that a certain subset of gamma delta T cells helps to limit the corneal damage, reduces the spread of the HSV-1 virus and aids in survival following infection. The research also showed that the T cells produce a specific type of protein called IL-17 that helps with the defensive responses.
“In the future, we hope to look for a vaccine target to help limit the damage caused by the virus, and this is a good start toward that process,” Friend said.
He collaborated on the project with others at USA, including Dr . Robert A. Barrington, associate professor of microbiology and immunology; Dr. Robert N. Lausch, professor emeritus of microbiology; and graduate student Steffani Fitzpatrick.
“Jack’s focus and determination to contribute in this project has helped move the research forward, leading to new insights and possibly new therapeutic angles for ocular HSV-1 infection,” Barrington said.
A native of Mobile, Friend intends to apply to ophthalmology residency programs following graduation. He received a Knights Templar Eye Foundation Travel Grant and funding from the University of South Alabama Student Government Association to attend the meeting April 28 to May 2.
