Department of Microbiology
The University of Tennessee
M409 Walters Life Sciences
Knoxville, TN  37996-0845
Phone: (865) 974-4026 
FAX: (865) 974-4007 
E-mail:  btr@utk.edu

Institutional Webpage
Recent Publications

Research:

Our laboratory specializes in viral immunology and immunopathology focusing on herpes simplex virus (HSV). Current work on immunity to HSV is to define the role of various innate and adaptive immune components and learn how to control their response so as to obtain optimal immune memory at both systemic and the perhaps more important mucosal entry sites of infection. The laboratory was the first to demonstrate a role for natural regulatory T cells in viral immunity. Research continues to explain how the regulators are induced by HSV and to understand how to modulate their activity. 

Herpes simplex virus is commonly a cause of blindness. This lesion is the result of an immunopathological response in the eye set off by HSV ocular infection. Our research is directed at understanding the pathogenesis of lesion initiation and its progress with a view to defining novel approaches to therapy. We have discovered that neovascularization of the normally avascular cornea is a major step in lesion development and that approaches which counteract one or more of the many angiogenesis factors involved successfully limits the severity of disease. Amongst the many approaches being evaluated for therapy siRNA was shown effective and is under further study. We also have discovered that the extent of lesion severity is subject to modulation by the effects of natural regulatory T cells. We are searching for approaches that succeed in expanding the influence of such cells and also seeking to determine the mechanisms by which regulation is effected. The laboratory has published more than 300 research papers and welcomes creative trainee colleagues to join our team.