The research focus of the Poynter lab is to investigate the role of the airway epithelium in the initiation and modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In particular, we focus on the genesis of allergic asthma, attempting to determine how environmental components can cause the development of an allergic response against an otherwise innocuous inhaled antigen. The model environmental compound we study, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), is an oxidant gas that can be generated endogenously or as a product of combustion processes. Furthermore, epidemiologic evidence indicates that individuals exposed to elevated levels of NO2 have an increased liklihood of developing asthma as well as having more severe disease. The understanding gained into the initiation of allergy is also used in the lab to develop and test novel therapeutic approaches in preclinical models.

Research Interests

The Poynter laboratory is interested in the myriad of ways in which pulmonary innate and adaptive immune responses are initiated and modulated in response to environmental gasses, components of infectious organisms, and allergens. The airway epithelium constitutes a first line of defense against inhaled materials. As such, the epithelium must be responsive to these materials and activate signal transduction cascades that induce expression of genes modulating local defenses, the recruitment and activation of innate immune inflammatory cells, including dendritic cells, as well as cells of the adaptive immune system, especially CD4+ T lymphocytes. Thereby, products of activated airway epithelial cells may modulate the initiation and polarization of T cell-dependent immune responses that serve to protect the host from infection or cause pathology in pulmonary disease.. Through an understanding of the pathology of disease using mouse models, in vitro systems, and human tissues we hope to apply our research findings to prevention and treatment of the allergic airway disease, asthma, as well as to the development of adjuvants for mucosal and systemic vaccination via inhalation.

Ongoing projects in the Poynter lab focus on the role of the airway epithelium in initiation and modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses

Central role for airway epithelial NF-kappaB activation in NO2-induced allergic sensitization

Selected Publications

Poynter, M.E., Cloots, R., van Woerkom, T., Butnor, K.J., Vacek, P., Taatjes, D.J., Irvin, C.G., and Y.M.W. Janssen-Heininger. NF-kappaB Activation in Airways Modulates Allergic Inflammation but not Hyperresponsiveness. Journal of Immunology, 173: 7003-7009 (2004)

Allard, J.B., Poynter, M.E., Marr, K.A., Cohn, L., Rincon, M., L.A. Whittaker. Aspergillus fumigatus generates an enhanced Th2-biased immune response in mice with defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Journal of Immunology 2006 Oct 15; 177(8):

Poynter, M.E., Persinger, R.L., Irvin, C.G., Butnor, K.J., van Hirtum, H., Blay, W., Heintz, N.H., Robbins, J., Hemenway, D., Taatjes, D.J., and Y. Janssen-Heininger. Nitrogen dioxide enhances allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in the mouse. American Journal of Physiology: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology 2005; (1):L144-52

Paveglio, S.A., Allard, J., Mayette, J., Whittaker, L.A., Juncadella, I., Anguita, J., and M.E. Poynter. The tick salivary protein, Salp15, inhibits the development of experimental asthma. Journal of Immunology, 178(11): 7064-7071 (2007).

Bevelander, M., Mayette, J., Whittaker, L.A., Robbins, J., Hemenway, D., and M.E. Poynter. Nitrogen dioxide promotes allergic sensitization to inhaled antigen. Journal of Immunology, 179(6): 3680-3688 (2007).

Pantano, C., Ather, J.L., Alcorn, J.F., Poynter, M.E., Brown, A.L., Guala, A.S., Beuschel, S.L., Allen, G.B., Whittaker, L.A., Bevelander, M., Irvin, C.G., and Y.M. Janssen-Heininger. Nuclear factor-kappa B activation in airway epithelium induces inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 177(9): 959-969 (2008).

Poynter, M.E., C.G. Irvin, and Y.M.W. Janssen-Heininger. Rapid activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in airway epithelium in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. American Journal of Pathology 160(4): 1325-1334 (2002)

Janssen-Heininger, Y.M., Poynter, M.E., Aesif, S.W., Pantano, C., Ather, J.L., Reynaert, N.L., Ckless, K., Anathy, V., van der Velden, J., Irvin, C.G., and A. van der Vliet. Nuclear factor {kappa}B, airway epithelium, and asthma: avenues for redox control. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6(3): 249-55 (2009).

CMB Lab Members