Laboratory of Host Defenses

Harry L. Malech, M.D., Chief

Description of Research Program

The Laboratory of Host Defenses (LHD) studies immune functions essential for host defense against infection and those required for immune homeostasis. LHD investigators study the genetics and pathophysiology of disease in patients with immune abnormalities including inherited primary immune deficiencies. These abnormalities may lead to recurrent infections and/or dysfunctions of immune homeostasis, such as severe eczema or autoimmunity. In addition to basic laboratory investigation, LHD studies and treats patients with immune disorders in clinical protocols.

LHD clinical investigations aim to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the management or correction of immune dysfunction in patients. Clinical protocols in the LHD are designed to do the following:

• Determine the genetic basis for human inherited immune deficiencies affecting the number or function of immune cells including neutrophils, monocytes, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, or those affecting the production of antibodies
• Develop new technologies for detection and treatment of infections associated with immune deficiencies
• Develop new technologies for diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with excessive inflammation and autoimmunity, particularly inflammatory bowel disease
• Study the use of small-molecule pharmaceuticals, cytokines, growth factors, monoclonal antibodies, and DNA or RNA molecular therapeutics, including gene therapy to correct immune function, modify inflammation, or assist in the control of infection
• Study the utility of and improve the safety and effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation and other types of blood stem cell transplants to correct immune deficiencies
• Study and develop new treatments to prevent or treat graft versus host disease in patients receiving bone marrow, mobilized hematopoietic stem cell, or cord blood transplants

Office of the Chief

Harry L. Malech, M.D.

Clinical Immunology Unit

Ashish Jain, M.D.

Clinical Pathophysiology Section

John I. Gallin, M.D.
Douglas Kuhns, Ph.D.
Kol Zarember, Ph.D.

Genetic Immunotherapy Section

Harry L. Malech, M.D.
Elizabeth M. Kang, M.D.
Suk See De Ravin, M.D., Ph.D.
Uimook Choi, Ph.D.

Human Immunological Diseases Unit

Helen C. Su, M.D., Ph.D.

Molecular Defenses Section

Thomas L. Leto, Ph.D.
Jaeyul Kwon, Ph.D.

Monocyte Trafficking Unit

Sharon H. Jackson, M.D.

Mucosal Immunity Section

Warren Strober, M.D.
Ivan J. Fuss, M.D.
Atsushi Kitani, M.D., Ph.D.
Michael D. Yao, M.D.