Basic Research
The basic research in the Section of Rheumatology focuses on the biology of T and B lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are essential for the elimination of microbial pathogens and tumors, but are also responsible for the development of autoimmune diseases and the rejection of transplanted organs. Understanding how T and B lymphocytes develop and become activated is important to create the new generation of immunosuppressive agents that target selective lymphocytes responsible for disease.
The basic research team comprises Marcus Clark, MD, Chief of the Section of Rheumatology and Professor of Medicine, Maria-Luisa Alegre, MD, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Fontini Gounari , PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Timothy Niewold, PhD, Assistant Professor, Haochu Huang, PhD, Assistant Professor, and Patrick Wilson, PhD, Assistant Professor.