Lucille London

Associate Professor
Microbiology and Immunology
MUSC, Charleston, SC

Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

londonl@musc.edu

Research:
Biodegradation of complex mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and subsequent immunotoxicological effects on lymphocytes. Our research is focused on understanding the biological process by which complex mixtures of contaminants can be degraded in the environment and applying that knowledge to lessen potential human health effects associated with possible exposure. We are focusing on the biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and subsequent immunotoxicological effects on parameters of immune lymphocyte function. The immunotoxicity of PCBs are assessed using two well-defined immunologic parameters as indicators of immunotoxicity. First, both non-degraded and dechlorinated/biodegraded PCBs will be evaluated for their ability to modulate the mouse T and/or B cell proliferative response to mitogens in vitro as well as the ability of B cells to secrete immunoglobulin. Second, we are investigating the mechanism by which PCBs modulate proliferation in vitro. These include potential effects on the cell cycle such as modulation of transcription factors and cell signaling pathways as well as potential effects on programmed cell death (apoptosis). When combined with conventional analytical chemistry, this information will help establish remedial objectives that are practical (achievable and economically viable) and remain protective of human health and the environment.

Publications

 

Smthwick, A, SB Wilde, L London, P Morris. 2001. Effects of Aerobic degradation on Immunotoxicity. PCBs In: Recent Advances in the Environmental Toxicology and Health Effects Eds. LW Robertson, LG Hansen University of Kentucky Press, Lexington, KY, p. 93 - 96.

Hamamdzic, D., T. Phillips Dorsett, S. Altman-Hamamdzic, S.D. London, & L London. 2001. Reovirus 1/L Infection Triggers Cell Type Specific Pro-inflammatory Responses in Resident Mucosal Cells which is Dependent on the Autocrine Action of Interferon-g. Am J of Physiology, Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology 280:18- L29

London, L, EI Majeski, MK Pantilia, RA Harley, & SD. London. 2002 Respiratory Reovirus 1/L Induction of Diffuse Alveolar Damage: A Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Experimental and Molecular Pathology, 72:24 ? 36.

London, L, EI Majeski, S Altman-Hamamdzic, C. Enockson, MK Paintlia, RA Harley & SD London 2002. Respiratory Reovirus 1/L Induction of Diffuse Alveolar Damage: Pulmonary Fibrosis is not modulated by Corticosteroids in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Mice. Clin Immunol 103:284 - 295

Majeski, EI, RA Harley, SC Bellum, SD London, & L London. 2003. Differential Role for T cells in the Development of Fibrotic Lesions Associated with Reovirus 1/L induced BOOP versus ARDS. American Journal of Respiratory, Cell, and Molecular Biology: 28:208 - 217.

Smithwick, LA, Smith, A, Quensen III, JF, London, L, Morris, PJ: 2003. Inhibition of LPS-induced Splenocyte Proliferation and Antibody Secretion by Ortho-Substituted Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Toxicology 188:319 - 333.

Majeski, EI, Paintlia, MK, Lopez, AD, Harley RA., London, SD, and L London. 2003. Respiratory Reovirus 1/L Induction of Intraluminal Fibrosis, a model of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia, is Dependent on T Lymphocytes. Am. J. Pathol. 163:1467 - 1479.

Smithwick, LA, Quensen, JF, Smith, A, Kurtz, DA, London, L, and PM Morris. 2004 The inhibition of LPS-induec splenocyte proliferation by ortho-substituted and microbially dechlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls is associated with a decreased expression of cyclin D2. Toxicology 204:61 ? 74.

Bharhani, MS, Grewal, JS, Pilgrim, MJ, Enocksen, C, Peppler, R, London, L, and SD London. 2005. Reovirus serotype 1/strain Lang-stimulated activation of antigen-specific T lymphocytes in Peyer’s patches and distal gut-mucosal sites: activation status and cytotoxic mechanisms. J. Immunol. 15:174:3580-3589.