Magali Moretto Assistant Research Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Office Phone: 202-994-1172 Email: Email Department: Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine

Education

• B.Sc, University Blaise Pascal, France, 1992
• MSc, University of Francois Rabelais, France, 1993
• PhD, University of Francois Rabelais, France, 1997

Biography

Dr. Moretto received her PhD in Immunology/parasitology from the University Francois Rabelais in Tours, France. She completed her post-doctorate studies at Dartmouth Medical School and LSUHSC in New Orleans.

Research

Dr. Moretto's research interests focus on the gut mucosal immune response to infectious pathogen Encephalitooon cuniculi. Her recent publications show that gut intraepithelial lymphocytes play an important role in the protection of the host against E. cuniculi infection. These CD8+ T cells coat the gut epithelium and are believed to represent one of the first lines of defense against orally acquired infection. However, origins and functions of this very diverse population are still understudied. A better understanding of this CD8+ population should provide very valuable information for the development of immunotherapeuthic strategies against gut pathogens.

For more information, please visit the Khan lab website.
 

Publications

Lawlor EM, Moretto MM, Khan IA. Optimal CD8 T-cell response against Encephalitozoon cuniculii is mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 upregulation by dendritic cells. Infect Immun.2010 Jul(7):3097-102.

Moretto MM, Lawlor EM, Xu Y, Khan IA, Weiss LM. Purified PTP1 protein induces antigen-specific protective immunity against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Microbes Infect. 2010 Jul:12(7):574-9.

Moretto MM, Lawlor EM, Khan IA. Lack of interleukine-12 in p40-deficient mice lead to poor CD8+ T cell immunity against Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. Infect Immun. 2010 Jun:(78(6):2505-11.

Moretto MM, Lawlor EM, Khan IA. Aging mice exhibit a functional defect in mucosal dendritic cell response against an intracellular pathogen. J Immunol. 2008 Dec 1;181(11):7977-84.

Moretto MM, Weiss LM, Combe CL, Khan IA. INF-gamma-producing dendritic cells are important for priming of gut intraepithelial lymphocyte response against intracellular parasitic infection. J Immunol. 2007 Aug 15;179(4):2485-92.

Guan H, Moretto M, Bzik DJ, Gigley J, Khan IA. NK cells enhance dendritic cell response against parasite antigens via NKG2D pathway. J Immunol. 2007 Aug 15;179(1):590-6

Combe CL, Moretto MM, Schartzman JD, Gigley JP, Bzik DJ, Khan IA. Lack of IL-15 results in the suboptimal priming of CD4+ T cell response against an intracellular parasite. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2006 Apr 25; 103(17):6635-40

Moretto M, Weiss LM, Khan IA. Induction of a rapid and strong antigen-specific intraepithelial lymphocyte response during oral Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. J. Immunol. 2004 Apr 1; 172(7): 4402-9

Moretto M, Durell B, Schwartzman JD, Khan IA. Gamma delta T cell-deficient mice have a down-regulated CD8+ T cell immune response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. J Immunol. 2001 Jun 15; 166(12) 7389-97.

Industry Relationships and Collaborations

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported a financial interest with the health care related companies listed below. These relations have been reported to the University and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts.

• None