Hao Shen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Microbiology

Office Address:
Department of Microbiology
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
303C Johnson Pavilion
3610 Hamilton Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6076

TEL 215-573-5259
LAB 215-898-6586;
Admin Asst: 215-573-2890
FAX 215-573-9068
hshen@mail.med.upenn.edu

RESEARCH SUMMARY

We are interested in understanding how the microbial virulence strategies affect the nature and magnitude of the host response and how the resulting immune response influences the course of infection. We use the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes as a model and employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines recent technical and conceptual advances in molecular genetics, microbial pathogenesis, cell biology and immunology. By genetic manipulation of both the microbe and the murine host, we are investigating how various immune effectors counter different microbial virulence factors. We are studying the mechanisms by which bacterial virulence factors down-modulate the immune response. We are also identifying different aspects of bacterial antigens that influence their ability to induce a T cell response and to serve as a protective target. Through these studies, we hope to identify new immune correlates of protection and understand the mechanisms that help establishing or disturbing the immunological memory.

We are also applying our expertise in cellular immunology and microbial pathogenesis to study emerging pathogens and bioterror agents. We are identifying T cell epitopes in Ebola and examining how the soluble glycoprotein (sGP) of Ebola may interfere with the ability of dendritic cells to prime T cell responses. We are studying the early immune response to the pulmonary form of anthrax infection and investigating the role of microbial phospholipases and hemolysin in modulating the host response. The long-term objective of our studies is to provide a platform for rational design of effective vaccines to combat today’s complex infectious diseases and potential bioterror threats.