Research
The Section of Immunology Allergy & Rheumatology maintains an active basic and clinical research program. Studies focus on mechanisms of lymphocyte activation and immunoregulation; development of monoclonal antibodies; pathogenesis of HIV; murine models of autoimmunity, asthma, and immune deficiency; immunogenteics; molecular genetics; mast cell biology; mechanisms of immunoglobulin deficiencies; cytokine biology; and therapeutic trials.
In the area of molecular immunology, there is a research program that deals with the role of prolactin as a cytokine that regulates lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. Projects in this area include studies of receptor function and mechanisms of signaling by prolactin. This research is supported in part by the Linda and Ronald Finger Lupus Center. A second molecular immunology research program concerns structure and function of anti-carbohydrate antibodies and the role of antibodies against gangliosides in teh pathogenesis of autoimmune neurological disorders.
Trainees participate in these research studies and are taught sound approaches for designing and conducting both basic and clinical investigations.