Impact of Radiation on Immunity

Preliminary data in our lab have shown a long-lasting impact of neonatal irradiation on the CD4 T cell response against influenza viruses. Although defective CD4 T cells response did not compromise immunity to influenza viruses, it is possible that CD4 T cell-mediated protection against other extracellular pulmonary pathogens can be compromised by exposure to radiation in neonatal life (Radiat Res 184(4): 352-366: 2015). Thus, we are currently focused to investigate the effect of neonatal irradiation in the control of clinically relevant pulmonary pathogens.

Immunofluorescence of lymph node after exposure to neonatal irradiation. PNAd in red, Lyve 1 in green and B220 in white.