Major Goals and Plans

Seema S. Aceves, MD, PhD

• Understand the mechanisms of TGFb1 effects on smooth muscle contraction in EoE
• Conduct studies to elucidate a gene-environment interaction between food and TGFb1
• Find new biomarkers in EoE
• Understand the effects of mepolizumab on esophageal remodeling in EoE
• Continue to expand the EGID clinic
• Help to develop and design multi-center , NIH funded clinical trials in collaboration with The International Gastrointestinal Researchers and the Registry for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder
• Participate in trials that validate pediatric quality of life and symptom activity indexes in EoE

John F. Bastian, MD

• Retiring in the coming year
• Establish policies and protocols to provide quality and efficient clinical care

Jane C. Burns, MD. and Chisato Shimizu, MD

• Define panel of protein biomarkers as a diagnostic test for KD
• Complete family-based linkage analysis
• Define role of microRNAs in KD pathogenesis
• Devise new therapies to prevent progression of coronary artery damage
• Understand mechanisms of action of IVIG

Johanna Chang, MD

• Establish clinical and research protocols and procedures for pediatric joint ultrasound
• Assume additional leadership roles following the retirement of Dr. Szer

Alessandra I. Franco, MD, PhD

• Better characterize the events involved in the cross-talk between B cells and dendritic cells, aiming at the optimization of cytotoxic T cell priming in vivo.
• Define a panel of carbohydrate-peptide conjugate that binds with high affinity to MHC class I molecules and has an appropriate structure to induce a T cell response skewed toward the recognition of the sugar moiety.
• Explore (and compare) TACA conjugation natural viral sequences, sequences derived from environmental pathogens as the flu viruses and known cancer epitopes (i.e., MUC1 peptides, etc.) in preparation for pre-clinical trials.
• Complete studies on T-cell activation in Kawasaki disease.

Hal M. Hoffman, MD

• Continue focus on cryopyrin function using a number of novel mouse models designed to reproduce human disease in mice.
• Continue to study the mechanism of cold-induced inflammation using cell lines, human monocytes and mice.
• Study the role of cryopyrin in more common diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, otitis, and asthma by collaborating with other UCSD investigators.
• Continue to identify families with rare inherited human diseases and search for the genetic basis of these disorders.
• Continue to evaluate pediatric patients with allergic and immunologic disease (approximately 400 patients a year).
• Pursue clinical interest in autoinflammatory diseases, including the periodic fever disorders, and expand clinic to meet the needs of these patients.

Anthony A. Horner, MD

• Continue clinical and teaching responsibilities
• Continue research focusing on characterizing the cellular and molecular basis for the Th2 adjuvant and tolerogenic activities of house dust extracts (HDEs)
• Continue translational research studies to determine if HDE bioactivity measures predict allergic and respiratory status  in clinical practice HDEs
• Continue collaborative studies to better understand the molecular basis for the immunostimulatory activities of HDEs
• Continue collaborative studies with Genalyte to develop a new generation assay for the characterization and quantification of peanut specific IgE from allergic patients
• Seek new sources of funding for our research

 Karin Peterson, MD, PhD

• Establish protocols for quality and safety in clinics .

 Robert M. Sheets, MD

• Consolidate practice in San Diego.
• Continue involvement in the local Arthritis Foundation branch and its activities for children.

Ilona S. Szer, MD

• Retiring in October 2013
• To accomplish the Second Edition of Arthritis in Children and Adolescents
• Continue to deliver the highest quality of care to children with RD in SD and surrounding catchment area
• Continue to work with the Search Committee for a Section Chief of Rheumatology and Sr. Scientist