Ongoing Research Programs
Our laboratory continues to explore the mechanisms responsible for the unique immune privilege in the anterior chamber of the eye. Studies are directed at unraveling the mysterious antigen-specific suppression of systemic cell-mediated immunity that is induced when antigens are 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.
Research on infectious diseases of the eye remains an area of research interest in our lab. One especially intriguing, infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis is transmitted with soft contact lenses and causes a progressive, blinding infection of the cornea. Research on this disease spans a wide range of interests including immunology, cell biology, pathology, and therapy.