David M. Lupan, Ph.D.
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Research Interests:
Iron is an essential element for most microorganisms. It is a key component of certain enzymes and co-enzymes that function in critical oxidation/reduction reactions within the cell. The acquisition of iron presents a particularly difficult challenge for microbes due to the extreme insolubility of this element at neutral or alkaline pH. Such are the conditions within the confines of the mammalian host. My laboratory is investigating the manner by which the yeast, Candida albicans, acquires iron. Studies are focused on utilization of iron-containing proteins and the mechanisms by which the yeast by-passes the iron-limiting properties of the transferrin system in the mammalian host. In collaboration with Tom Kozel, we are also examining the interaction of the complement proteins with C. albicans. Current efforts are directed at measuring the interaction of certain complement components with the various morphological forms of the yeast.
Selected Publications:
Ismail, A. and D.M. Lupan. 1986. Utilization of siderophores by Candida albicans. Mycopathologia 96:109.
Sanford, J.E., D.M. Lupan, A.M. Schlageter and T.R. Kozel. 1990. Passive immunization against Cryptococcus neoformans with an isotype-switch family of monoclonal antibodies reactive with cryptococcal polysaccharide. Infect. Immun. 58:1919.
Ahmad, I., W.R. Perkins, D.M. Lupan, M.E. Selsted and A.S. Janoff. 1995. Liposomal entrapment of the neutrophil-derived peptide indolicidin endows it with in vivo antifungal activity. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1237:109.
Kozel, T.R., L. Weinhold, and D.M. Lupan. 1996. Distinct characteristics of initiation of the classical and alternative complement pathways by Candida albicans. Infect. Immun. 64:3360.
Savoy, A.C., D.M. Lupan, P.B. Manalo, J.S. Roberts, A.M. Schlageter, L.C. Weinhold, and T.R. Kozel. 1997. Acute lethal toxicity following passive immunization for treatment of murine cryptococcosis. Infect. Immun.65:1800.