2008 Public Lecture Series
A R C H I V E D
Back to the Full Lecture Series
Influenza A: Consistently Ducking Our Immunity
Influenza viruses have plagued humankind throughout history. Dr. Wentworth will discuss the biology of influenza viruses, their replication and their role in creation of new viruses that cause human disease. Despite vigilance and vaccines, influenza causes seasonal illness thanks to minor mutations in the influenza A virus that allow new viral strains to evade the immune system. He will also describe the role of our immune system and why vaccines against influenza continue to challenge us. Many species are susceptible to influenza A virus, and Dr. Wentworth will describe the central role other species play in the emergence of new human influenza A viruses. Influenza A pandemics that killed millions of people occurred in last century; they will be discussed with an eye to what is being done to prepare for future pandemic threats.
Related Links
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- NYS Department of Health
- Federal Government Portal
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
David Wentworth, Ph.D.
Dr. Wentworth directs the Influenza Virus and Coronavirus Pathogenesis Laboratory at the Wadsworth Center . The goals of his research are to understand the adaptation of a virus to a new host, and to identify molecular determinants that affect the transmission or virulence of the virus. His previous studies have included the transmission of swine viruses to humans, highly pathogenic H5 influenza viruses, and coronavirus-host interactions. His team currently studies mechanisms of pathogenesis and evolution of influenza A viruses, and coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that emerged from China in 2003. Dr. Wentworth received his doctorate in virology studying influenza at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He studied coronaviruses as a postdoctoral fellow, and later as an instructor at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver . He has taught virology and microbiology to undergraduate, graduate, veterinary and medical students.