Understanding the Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease
The Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology at Cincinnati Children’s is leading the way in pioneering research to understand the root cause of lupus and other immunological and autoimmune diseases. By investigating the connection between genetics, epigenetics and immunology, we’re gaining valuable insight into disease development and using that knowledge to inform care.
Our team of dedicated investigators consists of doctorate-level immunologists, computer scientists and molecular biologists. Our diversity allows for unique perspectives that have led to numerous landmark discoveries, including the use of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) natural killer (NK) cell technology to treat lupus. As a multidisciplinary group, we collaborate with many divisions across Cincinnati Children’s and partner with leading national academic institutions to share knowledge and improve patient care around the globe.
Our Research
In the spirit of collaboration, our principal investigators offer a common open laboratory, the Cincinnati Rheumatic Diseases Core Center, to share scientific ideas and study results. Additionally, our four state-of-the-art faculty laboratories serve as dedicated spaces to conduct innovative basic, translational and clinical research.
Our research strives to identify and exploit initiating events in inflammatory disorders for a more relevant understanding of disease origins. We lead genetic, biochemical, immunological and physiological analysis, investigating the key etiological steps involved in generating immunological diseases. Our work has led to numerous breakthrough developments in understanding triggers and potential treatments for autoimmune conditions. One example is our study on the influence of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a risk factor for lupus and multiple sclerosis.
As leaders in autoimmune genomics and etiology research, we also serve as a biorepository for genetically defined samples collected from people with and without lupus and other immune-mediated disorders for future research efforts. Understanding the importance of clinical trial recruitment—especially among historically underserved populations—we regularly participate in Cincinnati Children’s Discovery Days with the local community, bringing children and families into our labs to build trust and education around scientific research.
