Inflammation is a normal response of the body's immune system to injury, infection and foreign materials to promote healing. However, chronic inflammation can cause damage to tissues and organs. Exposure to foreign material may elicit an allergic response which can be mild or life-threatening. Donor organs and cells used for transplantation may elicit immune rejection. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s normal tissues. This pathological response leads to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers study mechanisms leading to inflammation, hypersensitivity reactions, rejection and autoimmunity, and explore risk factors, such as genetic predispositions, environmental triggers and immune system dysfunction, with the goal of developing approaches to prevent, diagnose, alleviate symptoms and block tissue destruction.
PCOM researchers study the molecular mechanisms regulating acute and chronic immune responses with the purpose of identifying novel approaches for preventing or slowing the progression of COVID-related cytokine storm, kidney damage resulting from drugs that inhibit transplant rejection, tissue destruction in the lungs and periodontal tissue, and reaction to peanut allergens.
PCOM Georgia medical student Daniel Horuzsko (DO '23) explains his team's research into creating mouse models tailored to patients' immune systems for optimal donor selection in organ transplantation.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
