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In the UNC Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, we integrate collaboratively and seamlessly on a daily basis with our colleagues in the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center. In many cases, our teams overlap, providing a unique opportunity to combine deep clinical expertise with cutting edge research as we work to develop new and innovative treatments for patients.<\/p>\n
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Our research leverages the full breadth and depth of our multi-dimensional scientific resources, in order to develop and test innovative new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat rheumatologic, allergic, and autoimmune diseases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Our clinicians and researchers are exploring the underlying mechanisms that promote development and progression of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. We are studying causes and effects of these diseases, while also searching for new and innovative treatments.<\/p>\nOsteoarthritis: Basic and Translational<\/span> Research includes in vitro (using human joint tissue cells) and in vivo (rodent model) experiments to study topics such as:<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigators<\/b>: Dr. Richard Loeser<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Dr. Brian Diekman<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Dr. Lara Longobardi<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Dr. Doug Phanstiel<\/span><\/a> \u202f\u202f\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nOsteoarthritis: Clinical<\/span> Additional clinical research related to OA includes:<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigators<\/strong>:\u202fDr. Amanda Nelson<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <\/span><\/span>Dr. Yvonne Golightly<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>Leigh Callahan,<\/span><\/span><\/a> Kelli Allen,<\/span><\/span><\/a> Sandra Soto,<\/span><\/span><\/a> Becki Cleveland<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nOsteoarthritis: Epidemiological<\/span> Our epidemiologists, clinicians and researchers are evaluating the steadily changing demographics of OA, and the subsequent impact related to disease burden, pain, disability, and social isolation.<\/p>\n A few examples of their research focus areas include:<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigators<\/strong>: Dr. Leigh Callahan<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span> <\/span>Dr. Amanda Nelson<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span> <\/span>Dr. Yvonne Golightly<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Dr. Kelli Allen<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>Becki Cleveland<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nRheumatoid Arthritis<\/span> We are studying the molecular mechanisms that drive the transition from monocytes to disease-relevant cell types. This includes DNA looping and kinases signaling, and the role they play in lineage specificity and cell fate decisions. Having a better understanding the various mechanisms involved may help us improve our understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and eventually identify novel therapeutic targets. This research will also inform our understanding of a wide variety of additional biological process and diseases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)<\/span> The Division is home to a wide range of projects in the area of lupus and autoimmunity. We conduct comprehensive research in the areas of lupus, Sjogren\u2019s & autoimmunity, with a focus on clinical and translational science approaches to answering scientific questions that directly impact the care of patients with complex immunologic diseases in order to advance health and healing.<\/p>\n We are interested in developing diagnostic assays and prognostic markers for autoimmune diseases and incorporate a multi-disciplinary platform that emphasizes team science, as well as a robust clinical trials program. We are also working on a national level to help address racial disparities and promote inclusion and diversity in lupus clinical trials.<\/p>\n Our research interests include:<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigator<\/strong>: Dr. Saira Sheikh<\/a> UNC\u2019s Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology has a long tradition of being a national leader and innovator in conducting research designed to better understand, prevent, and treat health issues in underrepresented populations.<\/p>\n These include:<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigators<\/strong>: Dr. Leigh Callahan<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span> <\/span>Dr. Sandra Soto<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span><\/span> Dr. Saira Sheikh<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span><\/span> Becki Cleveland<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nImmune Related Adverse Effects from Immunotherapy and Insights into Autoimmunity<\/span> Our Division is the founding home of the Immuno-Oncology Group (IOG) at UNC, which is a collaborative multidisciplinary team of experts from specialties such as rheumatology, oncology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, and others. The goals of the IOG are to:<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigator:<\/strong> Dr. Rumey Ishizawar<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u202f \u202f<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Our leading experts are researching the underlying causes and conditions associated with the full range of allergies, as well as pioneering new means with which to better diagnose and treat these diseases.<\/p>\nAlpha-gal meat allergy<\/span> UNC is one of the few locations in the U.S. where physician scientists are conducting research to explore the immunologic mechanisms which lead to alpha-gal red meat allergy, which is an allergic response to the carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose. This allergic syndrome is poorly understood, but rapidly becoming more common throughout the U.S.<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigators<\/strong>: Dr. Scott Commins<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <\/span><\/span>Dr. Onyi Iweala<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nBasic<\/span> We are investigating allergy-related cells in peripheral blood (basophils) and tissues (mast cells) to understand how these important effector cells can be targeted to prevent, manage, and even cure allergies. Increasing our knowledge of fundamental basic science biology is critical to drive innovation in the allergy\/immunology field and bring new treatments to patients, regardless of their specific allergic condition.<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigators<\/strong>: Dr. Scott Commins<\/a>,\u00a0Dr. Onyi Iweala<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nEpidemiologic<\/span> Our faculty are engaged in multiple leading research efforts in population health. Dr. Kwan has developed a multi-disciplinary approach to penicillin allergy and her team of experts continues to successfully \u2018de-label\u2019 patients who may have an incorrect penicillin allergy diagnosis. The efforts of Dr. Kwan and her team have spared numerous patients from receiving broad spectrum antibiotics and saved countless healthcare dollars. In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Commins leads a longitudinal study of participants with alpha-gal allergy to understand the natural history of this unique allergic syndrome, as well as the role of tick bites and environmental exposures in triggering the immune response.<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigators<\/strong>: Dr. Millie Kwan<\/a>,\u00a0Dr. Scott Commins<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nImmune Mechanisms of Allergic Disease<\/span> In addition to investigating alpha-gal meat allergy, our investigators are studying the epigenetic regulation of type 2 and regulatory immunity. This includes exploring the role of the histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase UTX in mouse models of allergic sensitization and parasitic helminth infection. Additional research includes exploring the role of this epigenetic factor in immune responses to parenteral vaccination.<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigator<\/strong>: Dr. Onyi Iweala<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nPeanut Allergy<\/span> A Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology physician-scientist is exploring how epithelial cell barrier dysfunction, known as \u201cleaky gut\u201d contributes to peanut allergy pathogenesis. This research includes defining the peanut allergy-associated IEC regulatory landscape as a mechanism of barrier dysfunction.<\/p>\n Affiliated Investigator<\/strong>: Dr. Erin Steinbach<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Explore Thurston Arthritis Research Center<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\nOur goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms related to the development and progression of OA, to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies.<\/p>\n\n
\nGenomics and the regulation of chondrocyte gene expression.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nClinical investigators are conducting a wide range of research that involves blending proven methods of OA diagnosis and treatment with innovative approaches that may offer additional treatment opportunities, both now and in the future. Division clinicians and research scientists routinely collaborate to share knowledge and best practices, as well as explore future opportunities to advance the quality of medical care related to OA.<\/p>\n\n
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Allergy\/Immunology<\/h2>\n
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