Dr. Ivana Vancurova  

Interleukin-8 in LPS-stimulated human neutrophil

Undergraduate Immunology, BIO-3460

Immune System in Human Disease, BIO-2290

Graduate Immunology, BIO-250

Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation

Our research focuses on understanding the basic molecular mechanisms regulating expression of NFkB-dependent pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes in human leukocytes and cancer cells, as it relates to numerous inflammatory disorders as well as to many types of cancer and leukemia. Our ongoing studies focus on two principal issues: 1) What are the mechanisms regulating nuclear translocation of the transcriptional regulator IkBa, and could they be used to develop new strategies to regulate survival of human leukocytes and cancer cells? 2) What are the molecular mechanisms regulating transcription of NFkB-dependent pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes in stimulated human leukocytes and cancer cells? To answer these questions, we use novel and standard approaches of immunology, molecular and cell biology, and biochemistry. In addition, we collaborate – on some more clinical aspects of these projects – with our colleagues from The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Schneider Children’s Hospital at NS-LIJ.

This research has been published in 45 research articles and funded by the National Institutes of Health.

National Institute of Child and Human Development

National Institute of General Medical Sciences

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases