Research OverviewComparative Immunology of Jawless Vertebrates Jawless fishes, such as the sea lamprey, are an ancient group of vertebrates. The evolution and function of the vertebrate immune system can be better understood by studying this ancient taxonomic group. Recently, a novel form of antigen receptors was found in lampreys, and this has become a fascinating area of current research. | Research DescriptionResearch Area: Comparative Immunology
Research Specialties: Origin of vertebrate adaptive immunity, rearranging antigen receptors of jawless vertebrates, molecular mechanisms of invertebrate and vertebrate immunity.
Research Interests My lab studies immune mechanisms of aquatic animals, invertebrates and vertebrates. Of particular interest are the rearranging antigen receptors recently discovered in the oldest vertebrate taxon, jawless fish ... Complete Information... |
Representative PublicationsPancer, Z. and Cooper, M.D. (2006) The evolution of adaptive immunity. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 24: 497-518.[ABSTRACT] Alder, M.N., Rogozin, I.B., Iyer, L.M., Glazko, G.V., Cooper, M.D. and Pancer, Z. (2005) Diversity and function of adaptive immune receptors in a jawless vertebrate. Science 230:1970-1973. [ABSTRACT] [FULL TEXT] Pancer, Z., Saha, N.R., Kasamatsu, J., Suzuki, T., Amemiya, C.T., Kasahara, M. and Cooper, M.D. (2005) Variable lymphocyte receptors in hagfish. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102: 9224-9229. [ABSTRACT] Complete Listing... |
