Work done in the lab of Prof. Arunika Mukhopadhaya at the Department of Biological Sciences IISER Mohali.
Vinica Dhar hails from Jammu, India. She did her B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Hindu Girls’ College, Jagadhri, followed by M.Sc. in Biotechnology from School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu. She completed her doctorate under the supervision of Prof. Arunika Mukhopadhaya at the Department of Biological Sciences, IISER Mohali, where she studied the modulation of immune function of dendritic cells by Vibrio cholerae outer membrane porin OmpU.
Vibrio cholerae is a human enteric pathogen which causes the diarrhoeal disease cholera. Globally, cholera severely affects countries with poor sanitation and hygiene practices as it spreads from contaminated food and water. Vibrio cholerae possesses various virulence factors, such as toxins, outer membrane proteins and porins which help in pathogenesis and infection. The cells of our immune system, in turn, recognise these virulence factors and generate an immune response against the bacteria.
We have studied the role of an outer membrane porin protein OmpU (outer membrane protein U) in activating innate and adaptive immune responses. We observed that OmpU activates one of the most crucial immune cell types, the dendritic cells (DCs), employing the innate immune receptors TLR2 and inflammasome NLRP3. Activation of DCs further leads to the activation of adaptive immune cells.
Our study mechanistically showed that OmpU could generate immune responses in dendritic cells, which are important antigen-presenting cells for activating the adaptive immune cells. Adding to that, we highlighted the mechanism of activation of innate immune complex NLRP3 inflammasome by OmpU, which contributes to the inflammatory response. These outcomes provide an insight into how host-immune responses can be modulated by bacteria. Further, our observations suggested that OmpU could be used as an adjuvant in designing better vaccines.
“Study outcomes provide an insight into how host-immune responses can be modulated by bacteria.”
There were countless such moments while exploring the signalling for dendritic cell activation by OmpU. As we delved into the mechanism, I felt more excited at every step. Discovering how OmpU activates the NLRP3 inflammasome was the most exciting part.
Currently in the lab, we are exploring different aspects in which OmpU modulates the dendritic cell immune responses. I intend to pursue post-doctoral research studying the host-pathogen interactions and different signalling pathways that drive the modulation of host immune responses by the pathogen.
I was fascinated by the field of immunology when I started understanding the basics of the field during my postgraduate studies. Since then, I was keen to take up research as a career.
My supervisor Prof. Arunika Mukhopadhaya has been a constant source of inspiration during my PhD.She instilled scientific temperament in me. Also, discussing research with my colleagues and reading current research articles motivates me to keep progressing in research.
I believe India has an abundant pool of scientific minds to conduct good quality scientific research. We should encourage the curiosity of students from the early stages. If I get an opportunity, I would like to help nurture the innovative and inquisitive thinking in the students at grad level. This can be done by promoting collaborations and outreach programmes with the premier research institutes in India. Also, these programmes should create awareness about gender equality and an inclusive work environment in science.
Dhar V, Gandhi S, Sakharwade SC, Chawla A, Mukhopadhaya A. Vibrio cholerae Porin OmpU Activates Dendritic Cells via TLR2 and the NLRP3 Inflammasome. Infect Immun. 2023 Feb 16;91(2):e0033222. doi: 10.1128/iai.00332-22. Epub 2023 Jan 19.
PhD Scholar, University of Melbourne, Australia
Beside being a passionate stem cell researcher, Pragya Gupta is trained in Indian classical music, enjoys baking, inventive craftwork and learning about different cultures. She is currently doing her PhD at the University of Melbourne in Australia, where she is researching new ways to treat brain cancers.
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