Hans J. Müller-Eberhard and Irma Gigli Center for Immunology and Autoimmune Diseases

Studies allergies, autoimmunity, asthma, infectious lung disease, skin, and kidney diseases.

Faculty

Rick A. Wetsel, PhD, Professor and Director

Irma Gigli, MD, Emeritus Professor

Amber Luong, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor

Pooja Shivshankar, Assistant Professor

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Staff

Aleksey Domozhirov, MS, Research Associate (Manager -Transgenic and Stem Cell Service Unit)

Yi-Dong Li, Research Technician I (Luong Laboratory)

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The Hans J. Müller-Eberhard and Irma Gigli Center for Immunology and Autoimmune Diseases is examining the molecular and genetic bases of several different allergic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases involving distinct organs. These studies explore the nature, structure, and function of specific cell membrane receptors and their ligands (activated complement proteins) in modulating immune and inflammatory responses. In concert with the molecular studies, the Center’s scientists have engineered mice with specific targeted gene mutations or deletions that are being used as models for human disease. These animal studies have facilitated the identification of key gene products that play significant roles in regulating the immune system as well as contributing to the pathogenesis of human disease. Presently, the Center’s research efforts are focused on diseases that affect the lung, skin, and kidney.