University of California-Irvine · Microbiology & ImmunologyThe Immune Evasion Lab
Thomas P Burke · Irvine, California
Research Focus
Dr. Thomas P. Burke's lab focuses on understanding how Rickettsia, a type of tick-borne bacteria, evade the immune system. They are investigating how these bacteria survive inside immune cells and how they avoid detection by the body's defenses. This research could lead to new treatments and vaccines for serious diseases caused by Rickettsia, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Rickettsiainnate immunityadaptive immunityvaccine developmentimmune evasion
Research Aims
5AIM 01Identify Rickettsia virulence factors necessary for survival in immune cells.
AIM 02Elucidate how O-antigen helps Rickettsia evade immune detection.
AIM 03Understand the role of outer membrane proteins in the adaptive immune response.
AIM 04Determine the mechanisms of immune evasion by Rickettsia during acute infection.
AIM 05Identify novel vaccine candidates from rickettsial antigens targeted by antibodies.
Skills the Lab Values
forward genetic screeningcell cultureelectron microscopyin vivo infection modelsprotein microarrays
Output against the department
Publications102bottom 37% of dept.307th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.2kbottom 7% of dept.453rd of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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