Jannet Katz
Lab Research Focus of Jannet Katz
Dr. Katz’s research program is primarily directed to understand host/microbial interactions with emphasis on the pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fransicella tularensis. P. gingivalis is involved in the development of periodontal disease, a disease that has been linked to cardiovascular disorders, low weight babies and complication of patients on hemodialysis. F. tularensis is the cause of tularemia. Due to the rapid dissemination of F. tularensis by various routes, its ability to infect the host through various mucosal surfaces and the high virulence of some of the strains, F. tularensis is considered a bioterrorism agent. Studies with P. gingivalis or its purified virulence antigens are centered around the innate and T cell host responses, as well as the signaling molecules and transcription factors involved in order to develop therapies or vaccines against infection. Studies with F. tularensis are geared to understand the innate immune response, the signaling molecules implicated in infection and potential innovative therapies such as the use of vitamin A and D in ameliorating the infectious process by enhancing host immunity. Recently, Dr. Katz has developed an interest in delineating the immunologic effects of diet and specific immunotherapies in relation to pancreatic cancer.
Biography
Jannet Katz is Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. After obtaining her degree in Dentistry in Mexico City, she was accepted as a Resident in Periodontics at the University of Alabama in Birmingham where she not only devoted her time to the clinic but to investigations on collagen degradation. Upon completion of her Residency, she obtained a PhD under the Department of Pathology. Her dissertation involved studies on the pathogenic mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis with a specific interest on the role of T cells and mucosal immunity. Jannet Katz joined the Oral Biology faculty in 1988.