University of Virginia-Main Campus · NeuroscienceHarris Lab
Tajie H. Harris · Charlottesville, Virginia
Research Focus
Dr. Tajie H. Harris's lab at the University of Virginia studies how the brain defends itself against infections, particularly from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. They explore how programmed cell death, particularly through the protein caspase-8, helps control these infections without harming vital neurons. By examining different cell types in the brain, they aim to uncover the mechanisms used by the immune system to manage intracellular pathogens and protect brain health.
Caspase-8CNS InfectionToxoplasma gondiiProgrammed Cell DeathNeuroimmunologyParasite ControlAstrocytesCD8+ T CellsCell Death MechanismsNeonatal Immunity
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of caspase-8 in controlling Toxoplasma gondii in CNS-resident neurons and astrocytes.
AIM 02Evaluate how caspase-8 function in CD8+ T cells affects parasite control during infection.
AIM 03Determine the mechanisms leading to cell death in infected cells.
AIM 04Assess the consequences of caspase-8 loss on immune response in the brain.
AIM 05Discover how different cell types utilize caspase-8 to manage brain infections.
Skills the Lab Values
Confocal MicroscopyMolecular CloningMouse ModelsCell CultureFlow CytometryGenetic Knockout TechniquesImmunohistochemistryPCRIn vivo ImagingT cell Isolation
Output against the department
Publications91bottom 30% of dept.471st of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations11ktop 38% of dept.254th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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