Dr. Robert E. Ratzlaff

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

Education: Postdoctoral Associate (Clinical Immunology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 1982-86. Mentor: Philip W. Askenase, MD. Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology), University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, 1982. Mentor: Stephen K. Wikel, PhD. Bachelor of Science (Biology), University of South Dakota,  Vermillion, SD, 1978.

Cell Biology (BIOL 293): Fundamental concepts are covered such as basic cellular biochemistry, relationship between structure and function, dynamics of cellular organelles, and the regulation of cellular activities.

Molecular and Immunological Techniques (BIOL 407/507) provides students with the knowledge and skills to conduct some of the techniques that are available in today's molecular research environment. The techniques chosen for "MIT" have been used broadly in biomedicine and are increasingly part of ecological studies. By completing the laboratory protocols in this course you should acquire the knowledge to apply these techniques in your future endeavors. The course is team-taught and students are responsible for everything from reagent preparation to a final written report with data analysis and conclusions. Techniques offered: Protein purification and related methods, Enzyme-Linked Immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, DNA purification and related methods, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).

Immunology (BIOL 409/509): The cells and molecules of any individual must function in a physiological environment free from interference by the outside world and free from abnormal cells. The outside world and abnormal cells, however, are continually encroaching in some form or another i.e. parasites, bacteria, viruses, environmental debris, food, cancer, sperm and babies. The immune system must stop (or sometimes ignore) these invasions by eliminating the invader without destroying the tissues of the individual. With the above description of the immune system, the stage is set for BIOL 409/509. The objectives of this course are to explain the major features of the immune system: 1) recognition of foreign invaders, 2) discrimination between self and non-self, 3) protection mechanisms, and 4) control of immune responses.

Immunology Laboratory (BIOL 410/510) allows students to observe how the binding of an antibody to an antigen has been developed into several detection assays. Additionally, practical experience will be developed in the design, implementation, interpretation, and limitations of various immunologic techniques.

Clinical Immunology (BIOL 416/516): covers the failures of host defense mechanisms in response to pathogens or as the result of immunodeficiency diseases, allergy, autoimmunity, transplantation, and the manipulation of the immune response.

Advanced Immunology (BIOL 745/845) gives students a perspective of current concepts and unresolved issues facing today's immunologists. Recent and highly cited papers are reviewed in the areas of cellular immunology and immune regulation, molecular and structural immunology, host defense, inflammation, and clinical immunology. Graduate students will develop their analytical and communication skills.

Research Interests:

Panulirus argus virus 1 (PaV1) is a pathogenic virus that infects Caribbean spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus).An interdisciplinary, multi-institutional team has been studying the viral disease and its impact on the Florida Keys lobster fishery since 1999 when PaV1 was first identified. The Ratzlaff laboratory has developed molecular assays for PaV1 and is currently focused on epidemiological aspects of infection.Other research interests include molecular characterization of PaV1, viral transmission, pathology, and host responses to PaV1.We are equipped for ELISA, western blot, tissue culture, PCR, cloning and sequencing. Furthermore, our laboratory is part of a growing group at Old Dominion University working on infectious diseases with an emphasis on invertebrate vectors and hosts.

Funding:

Faulconer, E.K. and R.E. Ratzlaff. 2007. Evaluation of rabbit antisera to detect the lobster virus, Panulirus argus virus 1. American Association of Immunologists---The John H. Wallace 2007-2008 Summer Teacher AAI Research Fellowship. $5000.

Butler, M.J., J. Shields, R.E. Ratzlaff, and R. Cooper.2005-08.Disease Dynamics in Degraded Nurseries: Ecology of Viral Disease in a Social, Marine Animal.NSF $575,000.

Publications:

Montgomery-Fullerton, M.M.,R.A. Cooper, K.M. Kauffman, J.D. Shields, and R.E. Ratzlaff. 2007. Detection of Panulirus argus Virus 1 in Caribbean spiny lobsters. Dis Aquat Org 76:1-6.

Li, C., J.D. Shields, H.J. Small, K.S. Reece, C.L. Hartwig, R.A. Cooper, and R.E. Ratzlaff. 2006. Detection of Panulirus argus virus 1 (PaV1) in the Caribbean spiny lobster using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Dis Aquat Org 72:185-192.

Ceraul, S.M., D.E. Sonenshine, R.E. Ratzlaff and W.L. Hynes. 2003. An arthropod defensin expressed by the hemocytes of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae). Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 33:1099-1103.

Geba, G.P., W. Ptak, G.A. Anderson, V. Paliwal, R.E. Ratzlaff, J. Levin and P.W. Askenase. 1996. Delayed-type hypersensitivity in mast cell deficient mice: dependence on platelets for expression of contact sensitivity. Journal of Immunology 157:557-565.

Hansen, K.A., T. Nasser, R.E. Ratzlaff & R.J. Stock. 1996.Persistent eccyesis as a result of peritoneal trophoblastic implants following radical and conservative surgery for ectopic pregnancy. Journal of Pelvic Surgery 2:92-94.

Nasser, T.A., K.A. Hansen, R.E. Ratzlaff. 1996. Differential effects of plasma from normal and ectopic gestation on lymphocyte proliferation. Early Pregnancy: Biology and Medicine 2:23-28.

Sonenshine, D.E., R.E. Ratzlaff, J. Troyer, S. Demmerle, E.R. Demmerle, W.E. Austin, S. Tan, B.A. Annis and S. Jenkins.1995. Borrelia burgdorferi in eastern Virginia: Comparison between a coastal and inland locality. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 53:123-133.

Miller, G.W., F.J. Liuzzi and R.E. Ratzlaff.1995. Involvement of an axonal reflex in IgE-mediated inflammation in mouse skin. Journal of Neuroimmunology 57:137-141.

Askenase, P.W., G.P. Geba, J. Levin, R.E. Ratzlaff, G.M. Anderson, H. Ushio, W. Ptak and H. Matsuda. 1995. A role for platelet release of serotonin in initiation of contact sensitivity. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology: 107,145-147.

Ratzlaff, R.E., V.J. Cavanaugh, G.W. Miller & S.G. Oakes. 1992.Evidence of a neurogenic component during IgE-mediated inflammation in mouse skin. Journal of Neuroimmunology 41:89-96

Ratzlaff, R.E. and S.K. Wikel. 1990. Murine immune responses and immunization against Polyplax serrata (Anoplura:Polyplacidae). Journal of Medical Entomology 27:1002-1007.

van Loveren, H., R.E. Ratzlaff, K. Kato, R. Meade, T. Ferguesson, G.M. Iverson, C.A. Janeway, and P.W. Askenase. 1986. Immune serum from mice contact sensitized with picryl chloride contains an antigen-specific T cell factor that transfers immediate cutaneous reactivity. European Journal of Immunology 16: 1203-1208.

Kops, S.K., R.E. Ratzlaff, R. Meade, G.M. Iverson, and P.W. Askenase. 1986. Interaction of antigen-specific T cell factors with unique "receptors" on the surface of mast cells: Demonstration in vitro by an indirect resetting technique. Journal of Immunology 136: 4515-4524.

van Loveren, H., K. Kato, R.E. Ratzlaff, R. Meade, W. Ptak, and P.W. Askenase. 1984. Use of micrometers and calipers to measure various components of delayed-type hypersensitivity ear swelling reactions in mice. Journal of Immunological Methods 67: 311-319.

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