Sean P. McBurney, PhD

  • Postdoctoral Fellow

Education & Training

  • PhD in Molecular Virology & Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2010
  • BS in Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, 2004

Research Interests

My research is focused on understanding the complex interactions between flaviviruses and the host innate immune response. West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus (DENV) are closely related flaviviruses that actively target and inhibit the interferon (IFN) response. We utilize a variety of molecular techniques in tissue culture models to dissect the intracellular signaling pathways abrogated by these viruses. A particular interest is to determine the role of viral proteins  inhibition of IFN signaling in disease severity during DENV infection. We are also investigating the mechanism through which these viruses modify the biochemical composition of the signaling cascade.

Following his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, Sean first accepted a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the lab of Dr. Jared Evans in the CVR. As of July 1, 2012, Sean will be working at Oregon Health & Science University as a Postdoctoral Fellow.

Publications

Evaluation of Heterologous Vaginal SHIV SF162p4 Infection Following Vaccination with a Polyvalent Clade B Virus-Like Particle Vaccine. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. Epub ahead of print. |  View abstract

McBurney SP and Ross TM. 2009. Human immunodeficiency virus-like particles with consensus envelopes elicited broader cell-mediated peripheral and mucosal immune responses than polyvalent and monovalent Env vaccines. Vaccine. 27: 4337-4349. |  View abstract

Membrane embedded HIV-1 envelope on the surface of a virus-like particle elicits broader immune responses than soluble envelopes. Virology. 358: 334-346. |  View abstract

Developing broadly reactive HIV-1/AIDS vaccines: a review of polyvalent and centralized HIV-1 vaccines. Curr Pharm Des. 13: 1957-1964. |  View abstract

Virus-like particles: designing an effective AIDS vaccine. Methods. 40: 98-117. |  View abstract