Autoimmunity research focuses seeks to understand the complex mechanisms behind autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells and tissues as foreign entities and attacks them. This can lead to a wide range of conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and more.
Autoimmunity researchers study various aspects of these diseases and explore risk factors like genetic predisposition, environmental triggers and immune system dysfunction that may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmunity research also aims to develop better diagnostic tools to accurately detect these diseases. By understanding underlying mechanisms, researchers can identify specific biomarkers that can help diagnose autoimmune diseases and distinguish them from other conditions.
Another important goal of autoimmunity research is to develop effective treatments. This can involve studying potential drug targets, developing immunotherapies to regulate the immune response or exploring the use of stem cells and gene therapy to restore immune system functionality.
Ultimately, the aim of autoimmunity research is to improve the lives of individuals with autoimmune diseases by providing a deeper understanding of the causes, developing better diagnostic methods, and discovering new treatments to alleviate symptoms, slow down disease progression and potentially achieve remission.
Rapid and specific activation of subpopulations of cells of the immune system is critical for combating infection and promoting tissue repair. Suppression of immune responses is required for preventing rejection of transplanted organs and reducing inflammation. Aberrant and chronic immune responses may result in or exacerbate autoimmune diseases, tissue destruction and life threatening allergic reactions.
PCOM researchers study the molecular mechanisms regulating immune responses with the purpose of identifying novel approaches to preventing and slowing the progression disorders mediated by the immune system. PCOM faculty also participated as researchers in several clinical trials designed to assess the effects of immunosuppressant drugs following organ transplantation and the onset of diabetes.
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.
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