Immunobiology
Laboratory Home
Overview

The laboratory is involved in CSIR Network project titled "Development of diagnostics and target based molecular medicines against bronchial asthma and COPD". It is engaged in safety evaluation of newer anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic drugs. It also evaluates the efficacy of anti-asthmatic drugs in animal model of asthma by double chambered plethysmography. Prediction of acute oral LD50 in mice from LC50 derived from NIH-3T3 cytotoxicity assay, evaluation of immunotoxicity and determination of NOAEL from acute, sub-acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity data are among the other activities of this lab. Identification of molecular markers associated with pulmonary injury or diseases in terms of STAT3 and SOCS3 molecules are the highlights of basic research of the lab.

  Major activities:

  • Help in providing safe and effective anti-asthmatic and anti allergic drugs to the nation, by conducting toxicological/safety evaluation of newly synthesized molecules/drugs.

  • Environmental pollution and westernized lifestyle has led to the rise in the incidence of pulmonary diseases in India. Laboratory is aiming to identifying the role of different signal molecules in the onset and development of asthma.
Highlights of Current Research:

Applied research 
The laboratory is engaged in safety evaluation of several lead molecules with anti-asthmatic properties. 

Basic research 
The laboratory is involved in identifying the mechanism of airway injury following repeated exposure to allergen. Our work has revealed overexpression of SOCS3 gene and under-expression of stat3 gene may be associated with airway dysfunction following repeated exposure to antigens. Presently, the lab is trying to dissect out the mechanism how SOCS3 is under-express in normal condition and overexpressed in cell lines and lung tissues after prolonged exposure by looking at the methylation status of the CpG island of the promoter region of the SOCS3 gene.

Major Facilities available:

  • Transient gene silencing technology by siRNA 

  • Tissue culture facility 

  • Real time PCR and RT-PCR 

  • ELISA to measure cytokines and Immunoglobulins 

  • Lung function test by plethysmography 

  • Classical and modern tools of Immunology 

  • Measurement of allergy (Skin prick test, ELISA and PCA)

  Staff:
Dr. B.N. Paul, Scientist E-II and Head
Dr. S.L. Nagle, Scientist E-I
Dr. S.C. Srivastava, Scientist E-I
Sri R.K. Tewari, Gr 2(III)
Sri B.M. Pandey, Gr 2(I)
Sri Chedi Lal, Gr I(IV)
Sri Hari Ram, Gr.I(III)

Project Staff:
Sri Nrashant Singh, SRF

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