RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Immunogenetics of Disease and Alloreactivity

The Immunogenetics Laboratory performs tests of various genetic systems including the HLA system, an array of cytokine genes, red cell antigens, and microsatellite markers as part of ongoing research in the immunogenetics of immune responses that contribute to transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, and the response to vaccines. In addition to its own research, the laboratory regularly participates in international workshops that study the immunogenetic basis of disease.

Immunomodulation of Alloreactivity

The laboratory is pursuing studies to identify the mechanisms by which certain treatment modalities modulate the response to transplantation. These studies may also provide a way to identify patients at risk for transplant rejection.The laboratory has had a key role in organizing and conducting national workshops to better define the HLA system in racial minorities. The laboratory also maintains cell and DNA repositories in these workshops that make invaluable reagents available to scientists worldwide. The laboratory has been instrumental in the development of new technologies and the improvement of existing technologies in histocompatibility and immunogenetics to aid in the transfer of research technologies to clinical testing.

Disease Association

The Immunogenetics Laboratory investigates HLA factors that are associated with increased or decreased riskes for various diseases.

Genetic Identification

Identifying HLA antigens for clinical purposes is one of the mainstays of the Immunogenetics Laboratory.

Statistical Modeling

The Immunogenetics Laboratory works in developing algorithms to predict a patient's likelihood in receiving a matched organ verses an unmatched organ.

IVIg Efficacy Testing

Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglogulin have become the saving standard in antibody-mediated rejection therapy. The Immunogenetics Laboratory observes the effectiveness of this clinical therapy in reducing HLA-specific antibody titer. Tracking patient HLA-specific antibody levels during plasmapheresis and IVIg therapy provides insights into how the immune system may be modulated.

Genetics of autoimmunity

Studies performed by the Immunogenetics Laboratory, of the Amish population, have aided in the study of autoimmune disorders.

Vaccine Development

The development of peptide and other specialized vaccines is progressing rapidly. The Immunogenetics Laboratory is participating in studies to determine if an effective response is associated with certain HLA antigens.

Population Genetics

Characterization of the HLA system in various racial and ethnic populations has been an ongoing research focus for many years. These studies have defined new HLA alleles and have established the frequency and distribution of HLA antigens and alleles in different populations.The Immunogenetics Laboratory has studied the HLA system within certain minority populations. This is done to ascertain the diversity and distributions of the HLA genes, as well as, the linkage and linkage disequilibria's of the HLA genes.