Inflammatory and Diarrheal Diseases
Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD
Professor and Director of Allergy and Immunology
Department of Pediatrics; Division of Allergy and Immunology
Visit the Rothenberg Lab Site
Description of Research
Dr. Rothenberg’s investigates the mechanisms of allergic responses especially in mucosal tissues with a primary focus on the gastrointestinal tract. The goal of the research is to develop the best treatment strategy for allergic disorders (especially eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs)) based on mechanism-driven research. He uses multiple approaches involving analysis of the cellular and molecular processes in vitro and in vivo, often utilizing genetically engineered mice. In addition, several novel models of antigen-driven allergic gastrointestinal disorders have been developed and these provide the experimental framework for identifying mechanisms of disease. Furthermore, translational research involving several aspects of patient-based research including innovative drug intervention clinical trials, genome wide expression profiling of intestinal tissue, and genetic analysis using candidate gene and genome wide approaches are underway. For example, early results with humanized anti-IL-5 therapy in patients with EGIDS have revealed a promising role for this new biological modifier, prompting an ongoing placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Collaborations and Core Use
He collaborates with Dr. Aronow using the Gene and Protein Expression Core and Bioinformatics Core to define genes that constitute an “allergy genome” and new pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. He uses the Integrative Morphology Core in collaboration with Dr. Cohen to study gastrointestinal inflammation, and with Drs. Hogan, Mishra, Morrow, and Wang to study the epidemiology of EGIDs.
