Featured Researchers
Skin Microbiome — Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Crosstalk at Skin Interface Regulates Barrier Function
A compromised skin barrier results in increased susceptibility to pathogens and chronic conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis) that severely impact human appearance. The skin microbiome is a critical regulator of skin…
Identification of Disease-Driving T Cells and Antigens in Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata (AA) is mediated by autoreactive T cells, but the antigen(s) targeted in this autoimmune response are unknown. This study seeks to identify disease-driving T cells in the skin…
Development of Targeted Immunotherapy for, and Transcriptional Profiling of, γδ T Cell Diseases
Gamma-delta (gd) T-cells are involved in infection, inflammation, and cancer. We propose novel methods to develop T-cell–based immunotherapies to combat gd T-cell cancers, which may lead to lasting remission. We…
Preventing Metastasis of High-Risk Melanoma
In the U.S., more than 7,000 people die from melanoma annually. Up to one-third of these deaths are caused by early, localized melanomas (AJCC Stage 1–2) that metastasize despite appropriate…
Identifying Molecular Determinants of Prognosis in Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Immunotherapy is a crucial treatment for advanced squamous cell cancers that cannot be cured by surgery alone. But it works only half of the time, and we do not know…
Pain in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: The Role of Nerve Sensitization and Defining Pain Outcomes
Pain is the most important cause of disability and reduced quality of life (QoL) in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This proposal consists of (1) a prospective cross-sectional study using quantitative sensory…
Hospital Utilization for Skin Diseases in Persons Experiencing Homelessness
One in 25 Americans will experience homelessness in their lifetime. Homelessness is an independent risk factor for increased emergency department use, the longer length of hospital stay, and hospital readmission….
Contributions of Early Life Bacterial-Barrier-Immune Interactions in the Path to Atopy
Pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, costly, and high-morbidity disease. The earliest events that precede disease onset and modulate severity in at-risk infants remain poorly defined. Using novel experimental…