Mucosal Immune Defense: Immunoglobulin A

Dr. Charlotte Kaetzel received her PhD and postdoctoral training in biochemistry and cell biology from the University of Maryland. Her introduction into the world of immunology came with her first faculty appointment in 1983 in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Under the mentorship of department chair Michael Lamm, a world leader in IgA biology, she applied the emerging tools of biochemistry and molecular biology to the study of IgA transport across epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Now a professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Dr. Kaetzel’s research is devoted to understanding the basic science and clinical relevance of IgA in maintenance of homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Dr. Kaetzel has served on advisory panels for a number governmental agencies and private foundations, and as an Associate Editor for The Journal of Immunology, the official journal of the American Association of Immunologists. A charter member of the Society for Mucosal Immunology, Dr. Kaetzel is currently serving as Associate Editor for its flagship journal, Mucosal Immunology.

The Structure of IgA.- IgA Plasma Cell Development.- Epithelial Transport of IgA by the Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor.- Fc Receptors for IgA.- Regulation of the Mucosal IgA System.- Biological Functions of IgA.- Protection of Mucosal Epithelia by IgA: Intracellular Neutralization and Excretion of Antigens.- Novel Functions for Mucosal SIgA.- IgA and Antigen Sampling.- IgA and Intestinal Homeostasis.- IgA and Respiratory Immunity.- IgA and Reproductive Tract Immunity.- IgA-Associated Diseases.- Mucosal SIgA Enhancement: Development of Safe and Effective Mucosal Adjuvants and Mucosal Antigen Delivery Vehicles.- Recombinant IgA Antibodies.