Assistant Professor of Biology
Office: Temple Hall 227
Phone: (417) 836-5307
Email: BrianWeaver@MissouriState.edu
Links: Curriculum Vitae | Selected publications
B.S. Biochemistry, Penn State University, 1993
Ph.D. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Stony Brook University, 1999
Postdoctoral Research, Dept of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis
Research Interests:
My research interests center on understanding host-pathogen interactions, host innate immune responses to microbial infection, and strategies employed by microbial pathogens to evade those immune responses. Using cultured leukocytes, my research students investigate the intracellular signaling and gene responses of animal cells toward bacteria and viruses. Currently, we are working on two projects. First, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms that allow for monocytes/macrophages to integrate signals they receive in response to both the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and pro-inflammatory stimuli from microbial infection. The proper host cellular response to IL-10 is important for limiting inflammation while at the same time allowing for an effective immune response. Second, we are studying the mechanisms by which IL-10 can be taken over by viruses to inhibit effective host anti-viral immune responses. Certain viruses encode for and express their own IL-10 which can suppress the expression of specific anti-viral cytokines by the host. We are investigating the mechanisms by which host and viral IL-10 inhibit expression of these genes. These projects should lead to a better understanding of the delicate interplay between pro- and anti-inflammatory signals during innate immune responses.
Courses Taught:
BIO 102 Principles of Biological Science
BIO 310 Microbiology
BIO 511/611 Immunology
BIO 518/618 Regulatory Mechanisms
BIO 520/620 Pathogenic Microbiology