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Infectious and Immunological Diseases
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The RTRN Infectious and Immunological Diseases Cluster utilizes translational research to identify and explore approaches that can prevent infectious and immunological diseases that disproportionately affect minorities and ensure the development and delivery of new and improved life-saving innovations to the community
Introduction
A study published in Current Opinions in Rheumatology suggest that low levels of serum 25D (relates functional Vitamin-D level) to be associated with autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus and inflammatory bowel disease. Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in patients with darker skin pigmentation due to a reduced ability of UVB to convert 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D cutaneously in these individuals. Furthermore, according to a report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) minorities are at increased risk for certain autoimmune diseases; for example, African Americans are at higher risk for development of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Source: Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2008;20(5):532-537. National Institutes of Health. Report of the Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee. October 2000.
Objectives
Promote greater translational research efforts at RTRN resulting in better prevention and treatment of Infectious and immunological diseases.
Facilitate studies that investigate infectious and immunological diseases that disproportionately affect minority communities.
Develop better investigative research tools for studying and understanding the root cause behind infectious and immunological diseases in minority populations.
Scientific Leadership
Dr. Mark Pezzano, CCNY
Dr. Kristine Garza, UTEP
Cluster Scientists
Click here to find the Cluster Scientists
Meeting Schedule
3rd Wednesday of Month
