Jannet Katz
Lab Research Focus of Jannet Katz
My laboratory is involved in studies to understand the host immune response to antigens (i.e. hemagglutinins, LPS, proteases) of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Specifically, the studies involve investigations that elucidate the pathways (i.e. B7/CD28 pathway, MAP kinases) involved in the host-microbial interactions which lead to the development of periodontal disease. In addition, my laboratory is interested in the potential development of vaccines protective against periodontal disease with special interest in mucosal immunity. Lastly, ongoing investigations also include interactions between Porphyromonas gingivalis or its purified proteins and epithelial cells.
Biography
Jannet Katz is Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. After obtaining her degree in Dentistry in Mexico City, she was accepted as a Resident in Periodontics at the University of Alabama in Birmingham where she not only devoted her time to the clinic but to investigations on collagen degradation. Upon completion of her Residency, she obtained a PhD under the Department of Pathology. Her dissertation involved studies on the pathogenic mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis with a specific interest on the role of T cells and mucosal immunity. Jannet Katz joined the Oral Biology faculty in 1988.