Our laboratory investigates proteins present in the hemolymph (blood) of insects, with special interest in the proteins' functions in the insect immune system. We are studying plasma proteins, including prophenoloxidase, serine proteases, protease inhibitors from the serpin superfamily, and lectins that bind to microbial polysaccharides. We also study proteins present in hemocytes, using monoclonal antibodies and biochemical and molecular biological approaches. The long range goal is to understand the biochemical and cellular processes by which insect immune systems recognize and respond to pathogens and parasites.

Group Members
 

Dr. Haobo Jiang, Research Assistant Professor     jianghb@ksu.edu	Yifei Zhu, Graduate Research Assistant    yfzhu@ksu.edu
Dr. Xiao-Qiang Yu, Research Associate     yuxqwy@ksu.edu	David Levin, Graduate Research Assistant    bugs@ksu.edu
Dr. Congcong Ma, Research Associate     concma@ksu.edu	Jeff Fabrick, Graduate Research Assistant    jefff@ksu.edu
Yang Wang, Research Assistant      jianghb@ksu.edu	Richard Suderman, Graduate Research Assistant    rjs4333@ksu.edu
Chenhua Gao, Research Assistant     gaoch@ksu.edu	Youren Tong, Graduate Research Assistant    yrtong@ksu.edu
Jayme Morris-Hardeman, Research Assistant    Jayme@ksu.edu	Kristin DeWeese, Undergraduate Research Assistant    krisdew@ksu.edu
	Karen Fleischer, Undergraduate Research Assistant    knfleischer@hotmail.com
	Terry Johnson, Undergraduate Research Assistant    keety15@hotmail.com

 
A page with information related to the family of serine proteinases that contain a clip domain.