Immunologic Mechanisms and Rheumatic Diseases

Brigham And Women'S Hospital, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROGRAM SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This continuation of an established program emphasizes the techniques and concepts of cell and molecular biology, genetics, computational biology, developmental and bone biology, and fundamental studies in immunology relevant to rheumatic, autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases. Population-based clinical research employs rigorous methodological design and statistical analysis. Support is requested for 6 postdoctoral trainees with an M.D., a Ph.D., or both, and 1 predoctoral (Ph.D. candidate) trainee. Faculty are carefully selected and perform research in areas of I) Basic Research including: 1) Adaptive Immunity, 2) Innate Immunity, 3) Bone Biology and 4) Computational Biology, and II) Translational and Clinical Research including 1) Animal Models of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, 2) Human Immunology, Genomics and Genetics, and 3) Patient-Centered Research in the Epidemiology and Outcomes of Rheumatic Diseases. While the primary strength of the program resides in the direct and individual nature of the interaction between trainees and responsible faculty members, substantial didactic experiences, the medical school and university environments, along with a series of structured activities, foster interactions and supplement training. Trainees audit semester courses at Harvard Medical School in their field of basic science, while population science investigators obtain an MPH, Masters, or a similar degree at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. Postdoctoral trainees in a combined clinical and research training program join this program after completing clinical training. Graduate students join the program only after completing course work and are in Harvard Ph.D. programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences including 1) Immunology and 2) Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics. The program is hosted in the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Importantly, approximately 40% of faculty are located in other divisions, departments and Harvard Medical School-affiliated institutions and are selected for their relevance to the program goals and their outstanding scientific and training expertise. In addition to Brigham and Women’s Hospital Departments of Medicine, Orthopedics and Neurology, faculty are at 1) the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 2) Boston Children’s Hospital, 3) Massachusetts General Hospital, 4) Harvard Medical School Departments of Immunology, Biomedical Informatics, and Genetics, 5) Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 6) Harvard Chan School of Public Health and 7) UMass Chan Medical School. The program goal is to provide an ongoing pipeline of highly trained and expert investigators prepared for and focused in rheumatic and related musculoskeletal research.