Jessica Walsh, MD (Rheumatology)

In conjunction with Bingjian Feng, PhD, (Dermatology)

The Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Disease (III) Initiative Seed Grant Program – University of Utah

11/01/2017 – 10/31/2018

The Identification of Biomarkers for Psoriatic Arthritis Early Diagnosis

This grant proposes to analyze 30 genes previously identified, associated with either psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis. The research team will measure expression levels of each target gene in three different patient populations and compare the data to identify correlations between gene expression and disease. Through this work, the team hopes to develop a model that will utilize new biomarkers that could be used to increase the speed of diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis for patients.

Daniel Leung, MD (Infectious Diseases)

Matt Rondina, MD (General Medicine)

In conjunction with Scott Hale, PhD, (Pathology)

The Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Disease (III) Initiative Seed Grant Program – University of Utah

11/01/2017 – 10/31/2018

Epigenetic Regulation of Innate Lymphocyte Suppression in Human and Experimental Sepsis

This project seeks to further elucidate the connection between the dysregulation of the immune system during severe sepsis and the identified changes in DNA methylation. The research team has a two-pronged approach: to collect longitudinal samples from patients recovering from sepsis to identify methylation changes in innate lymphocytes and to induce sepsis in knockout mice unable to methylate DNA to observe survival rates and function of innate lymphocytes in the animal model. The goal of this work is to gain a better understanding of the deregulation of the innate immune system during sepsis.

Djordje Atanackovic, MD, (Hematology)

In conjunction with Gabriel Fine, MD, (Radiology) and Kimberly Evanson, MD, PhD, (Pathology)

The Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Disease (III) Initiative Seed Grant Program – University of Utah

11/01/2017 – 10/31/2018

Image-guided Delivery of T Cell Receptor (TCR)-Transgenic T Cells Targeting Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This research project takes a novel approach to treating hepatocellular carcinomas by local delivery of T cells capable of targeting solid tumor cancer cells. This unique immunological approach uses T cells developed by the research team to be responsive to antigens expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and delivers them to the tumor locally through various means. The team will then monitor the localization of the T cells and track the response to the therapy. Through this work, this research team hopes to develop a much-needed tool for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.