V. Koneti Rao, M.D.
Chief, ALPS Unit
Description of Research Program
Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) is an inherited disorder of the immune system that affects both children and adults. In ALPS, unusually high numbers of white blood cells, called lymphocytes, accumulate in the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, which can lead to enlargement of these organs. ALPS can also cause a variety of autoimmune problems such as anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and neutropenia (low neutrophil count).
The ALPS Unit aims to better understand this rare disease, to find the cause, and to uncover new ways to treat it. Its ultimate goal is to find a cure.
Research Group Members
Susan M. Price, R.N.; Kennichi Dowdell, Ph.D.; Katie Perkins, C.R.N.P.
Current Clinical Protocols
Selected Publications
To view a complete listing, visit PubMed.
Rao VK. Inside Blood commentary: Taking ALPS down a Notch Blood. Blood. 2008 Jan 15;111(2):477.
Rao VK, Dowdell KC, Dale JK, Dugan F, Pesnicak L, Bi LL, Hoffmann V, Penzak S, Avila NA, Fleisher TA, Puck JM, Straus SE. Pyrimethamine treatment does not ameliorate lymphoproliferation or autoimmune disease in MRL/lpr-/- mice or in patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. Am J Hematol. 2007 Dec;82(12):1049-55.
Rao VK, Straus SE. Causes and consequences of the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. Hematology. 2006 Feb;11(1):15-23.
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