University of California

Dr. Buchli is studying the molecular and functional characterization of sperm protein Sp17 in rheumatoid arthritis. Learning more about this gene may be helpful in the early detection of RA.

Brigham and Womens' Hospital

Dr. Lu Kuo is studying how gp49B1 regulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in mast cells, an important source of TNF-alpha and therefore critical in the pathogenesis of RA.

UCLA School of Medicine

Dr. Chukwuocha's studies of pathogenic anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in antiphospholipd syndrome (APS) are expected to reveal the genes for aPL that cause disease. If the results show a difference in aPL genes between arthritis patients and normal individuals, the information may lead to new therapies by regulation of these genes. Recipient of the James R. Klinenberg Memorial Grant.

Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope

Grant funds were used to study the nature of self-antigens in rheumatoid arthritis. This study focuses on whether tissue damage or infection confuses the recognition mechanism of the immune system, causing attack on self-tissues.

University of Iowa

Grant funds were used to study how the immune system recognizes and reacts against foreign and self-DNA. The study will provide insight to the innate immune response to bacterial DNA and the pathogenesis of SLE.

Harvard Medical School

(now at Stanford – own lab)
Grant funds were used to study the role of cell death in the development of autoimmune diseases. Dr. Utz is focusing on the mechanism of how proteins released from dying self-cells can be modified, then stimulate the patient’s immune system.

Stanford University

Grant funds were used to study the genetics of rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Mellins is examining if inherited genetic alterations in the recognition mechanism of the immune system are defective and cause RA patients to identify certain self-antigens as foreign.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Grant funds were used for a project examining the cellular and molecular characteristics of patients with Lupus (SLE). By studying the susceptibility genes involved, Dr. Linker-Israeli hopes to devise screening methods and targeted regimens of therapy.

Northwestern University

Grant funds were used to study the etiologic mechanism of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) and design an autoantigen-specific therapy to block the autoimmune response in Lupus.

The Scripps Research Institute

Grant funds were used to study the molecular make-up of genes and the mechanism whereby an autoimmune response is triggered as in arthritis, lupus and other rheumatic diseases.