Research Opportunities

The Pediatric Rheumatology division’s NIH-funded basic research focuses on immunomodulation of T cell function in autoimmunity and on investigating the biology of gene transfer to the synovium to develop more precise ways of delivering highly effective biologic drugs to the diseased joints of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The division is also using DNA microarrays and proteomic technologies to identify the genetic characteristics of JRA and other pediatric rheumatic diseases. Clinical research includes ongoing studies of the safety and effectiveness of new therapies for rheumatic diseases such as JRA, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis and scleroderma.