We are interested in understanding Host Pathogen interactions that dictate the outcome of infection. Our pathogen model system is the protozoan pathogen, Leishmania donovani. Our research work covers three broad areas:Mechanisms of Virulence and Cell survival in Leishmania: identification and analysis of molecules and mechanisms that confer an advantage to the parasite during infection in mammals.Mechanisms of Host Susceptibility/Resistance: We are studying the cellular immune responses in mice of distinct genetic background, to Leishmania infection, over time and in different tissues.Analysis of immunological memory in B-lymphocytes: B-lymphocytes provide immune protection by producing highly specific antibodies in response to foreign antigens and pathogens. While plasma B cells are responsible for the rapid resolution of a current immune challenge, memory B cells are responsible for mounting a rapid response to subsequent exposures. We are currently studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of memory B cells.

Selected Publications

Santosh K Panda, Sunil Kumar, Nitin C Tupperwar, Tushar Vaidya, Anna George, Satyajit Rath, Vineeta Bal and Balachandran Ravindran(2012): Chitohexaose activates macrophages by alternate pathway through TLR4 and blocks Endotoxemia. PLOS Pathogens 8 (5) : e1002717