John Clancy, Jr., Ph.D.

Professor and Chair

Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy

Director, Graduate Histology Course

EMAIL

Current Interests

Laboratory Focus

Potentially lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs when foreign immunocompetent cells are transfused into immunocompromised recipients. GVHD is a frequent occurrence after human bone marrow transplantation for leukemia or aplastic anemia. While the putative donor effectors have been shown to be T cells, other recruited donor as well as host cell types may also be involved. As a result of such donor and host cell interactions, a cascade of immunoreactive cytokines ensues which causes severe pathologic lesions in host skin, liver, gut, lung as well as lymphoid tissue. Studies in my laboratory are designed to understand the source (phenotype and genotype), target organ compartments affected and mechanistic consequences of such a cytokine cascade in order to control and hopefully counteract it. Such studies will not only help us understand the mechanisms of immunopathology in GVHD but also some of the mechanisms of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune disease.

 

Studies are also in progress designed to elucidate the mechanism of serotonin enhancement of the immune system. These and other studies should help to further understanding of interactions between the nervous and immune systems.

Publications