Jessica G. Moreland, MD
Research Profile

Research Interests:

The primary focus of our laboratory is to understand the role of the anion channel ClC-3 in neutrophil function, including the interaction between ClC-3 and the NADPH oxidase. This interest developed after ClC-3 knockout mice were found to have a defect in innate immunity and later demonstrated to have multiple abnormalities in neutrophil function. There are several sub-projects under study including:

Role of anion channels in cell volume regulation and cell motility in neutrophils
Collaborators include:

Fred S. Lamb, M.D., Ph.D., University of Iowa, Dept. of Pediatrics

A. Paige Davis, M.D., University of Iowa, Dept. of Pediatrics

William M. Nauseef, M.D., University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine

David R. Soll, Ph.D., University of Iowa, Dept of Biology

Role of anion channels and oxidants in neutrophil priming by endotoxin
Collaborators include:

Fred S. Lamb, M.D., Ph.D., University of Iowa, Dept. of Pediatrics

Francis Miller, M.D. University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine

A second ongoing project in the laboratory focuses on understanding the early components of the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens in the lung. We are specifically interested in dissecting neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions, and understanding the determinants of neutrophil transendothelial migration. These studies focus on two very distinct pulmonary pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae, the leading cause of community acquired pneumonia, and Francisella tularensis, a potential agent for bioterrorism. We have developed an in vitro model of neutrophil transmigration that includes stimulation of primary human pulmonary endothelial cells with live bacteria, followed by the addition of human PMNs

Lab Members:

• Jessica Hook, BS, MS (Research Assistant II)
• Brieanna Barber, BS (Research Assistant I)

Affiliations:

• Department of Pediatrics
• The Inflammation Program

Recent Publications