Jerry Y. Niederkorn, Ph.D.
Office: 214-648-3829
Fax: 214-648-9061
Email: jerry.niederkorn@utsouthwestern.edu
The major interest in our laboratory relates to the immunobiology of the eye. In particular, our research efforts fall into four basic categories:
- The immunobiology of corneal transplants;
- The immunological privilege of the anterior chamber of the eye;
- The immunology of intraocular tumors and their metastases; and
- The biology and immunology of Ancanthamoeba keratitis.
Research on the immunobiology of corneal transplants has focused on the role of resident corneal Langerhans cells in the elicitation of graft rejection. Other studies deal with novel methods for inducing antigen-specific unresponsiveness as a method for promoting corneal graft survival.
Our laboratory continues to explore the mechanisms responsible for the unique immunological privilege that occurs in the anterior chamber of the eye. Studies are directed at unraveling the mysterious antigen specific suppression that is induced by antigens placed into the anterior chamber.
Other investigations in our laboratory deal with strategies for preventing the metastatic spread of intraocular tumors. Since metastatic disease is the leading cause of death in cancer patients, we have directed our research activities to develop methods for preventing intravasation, homing, and extravasation of melanoma metastases.
Recently our research interests have included studies on the biology and immunology of a rapidly emerging ocular disease, Acanthamoeba keratitis. This parasitic disease is primarily restricted to soft contact lens wearers. Research on this disease spans a wide range of interests including immunology, cell biology, and therapy.
Selected Publications:
Hurt M., Neelam, S., Niederkorn J., and Alizadeh H: Pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. secrete a mannose-induced cytolytic protein that correlates with ability to cause disease. Infect. Immunity 71: 6243-6255, 2003.
Wang, S., Boonman ZFHM, Li H-C, He Y-G, Jager MJ, Toes REM, and Niederkorn JY: Role of TRAIL and interferon-y in CD4+ T cell-dependent tumor rejection in the anterior chamber of the eye. Jour. Immunol 171:2789-2796, 2003.
Niederkorn JY: Immune privilege of corneal grafts. Jour. Leukocyte Biol. 74:167-171, 2003.
Niederkorn JY: Immune privilege in the anterior chamber of the eye. Critical Rev. Immunol. 22:13-46, 2002.
