Diane McMahon-Pratt

The research in Professor McMahon-Pratt's laboratory is concerned with the parasitic protozoan, Leishmania, which causes a spectrum of diseases known as leishmaniasis. The laboratory is interested in understanding the immune effector mechanisms in the mammalian host that are involved in the control of infection and/or pathogenesis, with the aim to developing a vaccine against leishmaniasis. The laboratory has defined target vaccine candidate molecules and is collaborating with the University of Iowa and Cambridge University in a project directed toward the development of a multi-subunit vaccine. In addition, we are collaborating with Dr. Tarek Fahmy (L Yale Bioengineering) in the development of nanoparticle therapeutic treatment delivery system for leishmaniasis. In other studies, the laboratory also collaborates Drs. Al Bothwell and Eddie Chae (Immunobiology) investigating the role of DKK-1 in the regulation of the innate and T cell responses to Leishmania infection. We have long-term collaboration with scientists in Colombia. Currently, Professor McMahon-Pratt is director of NIAID R01 and Fogarty (NIH)-sponsored Programs with Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM) in Colombia. These program are focused on understanding the pathology of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia), which predominates in South America, with the objective of designing immunological approaches for treatment and control.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

HONORS & RECOGNITION

• Burroughs-Welccome Lecturer, NIH Laboratory of Parasitic Diseasea(1994)

• Councilor, American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene(1993)

• Bailey K. Ashford Medal, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene(1993)

• Organizer, Gordon Conference on Biological Aspects of Parasitism(1991), (1993)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

• International Health Committee (2009 - 2011)

• Editorial Board, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2008)

• Co-organizer (with Drs. J. Blackwell (Cambridge University), Paul Kaye (University of York) and Mary Wilson (University of Iowa)). International Conference on post-genomic research strategies for the development of vaccines and drugs against leishmaniasis. Cotswalds, England. September, 2007.Co-Organizer, International Conference on post-genomic research strategies for the development of vaccines and drugs against leishmaniasis. (2006 - 2007)

• WorldLeish3 –Italy, April, 2005: Organizing Committee (2004 - 2005)

• WHO/T.D.R. Review of Leishmaniasis Program (2004)

• Yale University School of Medicine: Senior Faculty Allotment Committee (2001 - 2004)

• NIH - Microbiology and Infectious Disease Research Study Section Member (2001 - 2004)

• Member, Program Committee, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2001)

• Review Panel, Howard Hughes, International Infectious Disease Program (2000)

• Editorial Board, American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (1999)

• Appointments and Promotions Committee, Yale University School of Medicine (1998 - 2000)

• Editorial Board, Memorias Oswaldo Cruz (1993 - 2004)

• Organizer, W.H.O. Workshop, December 1993, Identification and diagnosis of Leishmania species. Cali, Colombia. (1992 - 1993)

• Organizer, W.H.O. Workshop, December, 1992. Pan American Health Organization. Washington, D.C.World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization, Workshop Organizer. Washington, D.C (1991 - 1992)

• Served as a reviewer for grant applications to the National Science Foundation, Canadian Research Foundation, Veterans Administration and World Health Organization and US Army Research, Wellcome Trust (England) (1990)

• International Health Committee (Downs Fellowship) (1988 - 1994)

• Study Section member - Tropical Medicine and ParasitologyNIH Study Section member - Tropical Medicine and Parasitology (1988 - 1992)

• Provost’s Appointments and Promotions Committee of EPH