The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Viral Immunology: Tripp Laboratory

Overview of Our Program

Research Interest

The primary research interest of the Tripp laboratory is to understand the mechanisms of immunity and disease pathogenesis associated with respiratory virus infection, and to use this information to develop therapeutic protocols and vaccines that will confer protection or treatment. Our studies center on understanding conceptual and functional differences between innate and adaptive immune responses to infection that provide the foundation necessary to facilitate disease intervention strategies.

Research Vision

The majority of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are of zoonotic origin, i.e. transmissible between humans and animals causing infection in both species. EIDs impact human health, global security, and affect the food chain for an increasing world population. To effectively prevent and control EIDs, the scientific and health communities need to develop a discovery-to-control continuum. Toward this goal our laboratory will leverage the talent that presently exists in numerous disciplines at the University of Georgia, as well as recruit and train scientists and students to provide BSL2 and BSL3 infectious disease training and microbiology. We propose to achieve these goals through the recently developed Center for Disease Intervention (CDI) based in the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute and affiliated directly with the College of Veterinary Medicine. The focal point of the CDI is the state-of-the-art BSL3Ag+ Animal Health Research Center (AHRC).

Why Georgia?

The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) has shown outstanding interest to invest in new technologies and support studies that assure development of world-class research facilities. This foresight by the GRA, and the complementary research interests of the faculty at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and at Emory Vaccine Center in Atlanta, have provided me with great incentive to join the growing initiatives of the Eminent Scholars program.

This page last updated May 16, 2008 .