James Kelley, PhD, MPH
Nominated From: University of Hawaii
Research Site: Thailand
Research Areas: Tropical Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Dengue Virus
Primary Mentor: Diane Taylor
Research Project
Potential Triggers of Severe Dengue Disease Progression
Having previously characterized the role of several flavivirus nonstructural proteins responsible for altering intracellular communication and innate immune responses associated with progression of severe disease, we seek to bridge laboratory findings with clinical data to better drive future aims towards understanding disease progression dynamics in dengue virus infected patients. Specifically, we aim to identify key biological markers of severe dengue disease.
Research Significance
There are no dengue vaccines or antivirals available and no alternative to fluid replacement in dengue infected patients progressing to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever and shock. Our current work hopes to identify viable targets to assist in the development of Flavivirus-wide therapeutic interventions.
Advice for Potential Applicants
Find dedicated mentors and begin the research plan at least 6 months before the application deadline.
Mentors
- Vivek R. Nerurkar, D.M.L.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Professor and Chair, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, UH, Hawaii, USA)
- Dr. Anon Srikiatkhachorn, M.D. (Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, AFRIMS)
- Pornsawan Leaungwutiwong, Ph.D. (Lecturer, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand)
Publications
