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Lab - Virology and Immunology

Dr. Kong Chong studies the role of host factors in chronic diseases. Current projects include both basic science and translational research on several debilitating conditions that are associated with persistent or recurrent microbial infection. One such research area focuses on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and mucosal host defense mechanism. Over 100 types of HPVs have been identified based on the analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the L1 gene. The “high-risk” HPV types such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 are associated with cervical cancer and a subgroup of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas. Low-risk HPVs are associated with benign proliferative lesions that include condyloma acuminata of the anogenital tract and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Although a benign disease, RRP can lead to acute life-threatening obstruction of the airway.

Another area of interest is chronic sinusitis, an inflammation of the membranes of the nose and sinus cavity. The condition is associated with significant morbidity and affects an estimated 37 million people in the United States. The pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis is poorly understood, although it is thought to be a consequence of allergic reactions induced by persistent respiratory tract infections. We study the role of immune and inflammatory mediators including cytokines and chemokines in chronic sinusitis with emphasis on bacterial (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and viral (respiratory syncytia virus) infections.

Greater understanding in these areas should help the identification of new disease markers and novel targets for therapeutic intervention that might improve patient care. For both of these studies, we employ techniques such as cell culture, animal models, immunohistochemistry, cell and molecular biology.