Faculty
Frank Blecha
PhD, Immunology, Washington State University, 1981
University Distinguished Professor
Phone (785) 532-4537
e-mail blecha@vet.k-state.edu
Supervisor for:
Immunophysiology Laboratory
Research Interests:
Our laboratory studies the interrelationship of immunology and physiology in animals. This includes evaluation of the regulatory mechanisms involved in innate immunity and in stress- and pathogen-induced immune alterations.
One of the most fundamental, innate defense mechanisms is the cellular production of antimicrobial peptides. These natural antibiotics are produced by a diverse array of cell types including cells of the immune system and epithelial cells of the small intestine and respiratory tract. Because of the pluripotent functions of many of these antibacterial peptides, we are investigating the role of porcine antimicrobial peptides in innate immune mechanisms of young pigs. "Natural Antibiotics" Cytokine immunopotentiation and regulation, and investigations of the influence of environmental stressors on cellular and antibody-mediated immune responses also have been a focus of our laboratory.