Kim, Jean, M.D., Ph.D. (Otorhinolaryngology) *

Research Interests

• Epithelial cell function in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Current Research

Our laboratory is interested in the basic molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis and development of sinus and nasal polyps.  Our central hypothesis proposes that chronic rhinosinusitis is a disease of epithelial cell dysfunction.  Thus we study airway epithelial cell biology.  Specifically, we are interested in the interaction between innate and acquired immunity and the mechanisms by which the affected individual host can defend him/herself against the chronic inflammatory response.  We study the molecular mediators that regulate the proinflammatory processes (including cytokines and chemokines), their expression, and their effect on epithelial cell function.  Separate studies are underway to search for genes that are aberrantly expressed in nasal polyposis.  We are also interested in the interaction of upper respiratory viruses with epithelial cells and the molecular interaction of T cells with epithelial cells.  Our experimental models include in vitro primary and immortalized human respiratory cell lines and ex vivo examination of tissue from human subjects.  We have a number of active human subjects protocols for this purpose.

Laboratory

Jean Kim, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Positions available

Positions are available for qualified and motivated post-doctoral fellows and technicians.

Last Updated: 1/15/04