Research Study in Pemphigus Vulgaris
Dr.
Animesh A. Sinha, M.D., Ph.D.
Dept.
of Dermatology
Weill
Medical College of Cornell University
New
York, NY
Our research
team at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University is undertaking
a non-profit research project involving the pathogenesis of Pemphigus
Vulgaris (PV). The central objective of our project is to determine
the immune triggers of pemphigus vulgaris.
Currently,
available technologies are limited in their power to characterize
autoreactive T cells, which are necessary for the generation of autoantibodies
in PV and the development of disease. Our research team of the Department
of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University
is developing two newly emerging technologies to identify, enumerate,
and analyze autoreactive T cells. We are undertaking fine specificity
characterization of autoreactive T cell populations and precise mapping
of T cell epitopes responsible for disease induction and progression.
These studies are expected to illuminate novel and specific targets
for immunoprevention and therapy.
The long-term
goals of our work are: 1) To gain a better understanding of the early
steps of disease induction and disease perpetuation. 2) To develop
rapid screening methods for the precise identification of disease
specific peptides in individual patients. 3) To identify, quantitate
and characterize autoreactive T cells in individual patients. 4)
To use the above information to establish more definitive and rapid
methods for a) diagnosis and b) screening of individuals at risk.
5) To use the above information to explore novel antigen-specific
and individualized preventative and therapeutic approaches in the
treatment of pemphigus.
Because
the success of this project is critically dependent upon recruitment
of appropriate subjects, your participation would be greatly appreciated.
If you have any additional questions or are interested in participating
in this project, please contact Larisa Ravitskaya, Study Coordinator,
at 212-746-6554 or 1-800-746-6554, or at ravitsky@maxf.net, or write:
Larisa
Ravitskaya, Study Coordinator
Department
of Dermatology
Weill
Medical College of Cornell University/New York Presbyterian Hospital
525
East 68th Street, F-304
New
York, NY 10021
