University of South Florida · PhysiologyPlacental Viral Defense Unit
Hana Totary-Jain · Tampa, Florida
Research Focus
Dr. Hana Totary-Jain's lab focuses on understanding how the placenta protects against viral infections during pregnancy. The research centers on specialized cells in the placenta called trophoblasts, which release proteins to defend against viruses. By studying human and rodent placental models, the lab aims to reveal how these mechanisms work, leading to better strategies for preventing congenital disorders linked to infections.
placentaviral defensetrophoblastsinterferonscongenital infectionsmiRNASINEsantiviral immunity
Research Aims
5AIM 01Define how C19MC-derived Alu dsRNA is sensed by human trophoblasts.
AIM 02Investigate how C19MC contributes to antiviral defense in the placenta.
AIM 03Explore the pathways that lead to the release of type III interferons.
AIM 04Examine the role of placental barrier integrity in preventing viral infections.
AIM 05Develop new strategies to enhance placental immunity.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemolecular cloningRNA sequencingin situ hybridizationCRISPRmouse modelsorganoid modelsviral assays
Output against the department
Publications35bottom 2% of dept.279th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.9kbottom 10% of dept.256th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.