Immunology and Cytokine Laboratories

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The Immunology Laboratory has extensive experience performing and interpreting tests for the diagnosis and management of a variety of immune-mediated diseases. Our service laboratory offers tests that evaluate patients with monoclonal gammopathies, infectious diseases and a variety of immunologic diseases such as, autoimmune disorders. We offer consultation to physicians seeking assistance in diagnosing and treating complex or unusual disorders. Additionally, the faculty provides laboratory support for clinical trial studies and vaccine trials.

KEY FACULTY

Barbara Detrick, Ph.D.
Director, Immunology Laboratory and Cytokine Laboratory
Primary Appointment in Pathology; Joint Appointment in Molecular Microbiology & Immunology (BSPH)
Member, Graduate Program in Immunology; Member, Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (BSPH)

Clinical interests
My professional interests focus on the discovery and implementation of laboratory tests to evaluate patients with a variety of immunologic disorders

Research interests
My research interests include work on the immunologic and virologic aspects of immune mediated disorders. Currently, I investigate immune and viral factors associated with pathogenic processes within the eye. I have studied the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell extensively as an important immunoregulatory cell and tracked its role in ocular immunity. Over the years, both animal model systems and a human RPE cell model have been utilized to study viral immunopathology. We have developed a murine coronavirus model, experimental coronavirus retinopathy, which identifies how a virus can trigger a retinal degenerative process. These studies revealed both a genetic predisposition and an immune component in this disease. We are continuing to explore the genetic and molecular basis of this autoimmune component of retinal tissue damage.

RPE cells are key players in the first-line defense against invading organisms. Another area of active research is the exploration of innate immunity within the retina. TLRs are critical recognition receptors in the host defense against microbial pathogens and play pivotal role in innate immunity. Using real time PCR analysis of TLR gene expression, we identified the presence of TLRs (TLRs 1-7 and 9-10) in human RPE cells. Moreover, TLR signaling in the RPE cells results in the production of several cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. We are continuing our studies to further define the role of this epithelial cell in innate and adaptive immune responses.

More recently, research efforts have been focused on role of cytokines in regulating and modulating immune responses and immune mediated diseases. Specifically, I have been studying these molecules in vasculitis, infection, cardiovascular disease & atherosclerosis and transplant rejection. To date, our studies are attempting to bring together the current information concerning the role of cytokines in the development, progression, and complications of these inflammatory conditions and to identify their possible role as biomarkers of early inflammatory disease.

Recent Publications
Kumar, MV, Nagineni, CN, Chin, MS, Hooks, JJ and Detrick, B. Innate Immunity in the Retina: Toll-like Receptor (TLR) Signaling in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. J Neuroimmunol 153: 7-15, 2004.

Detrick, B, Hamilton, RG and Folds, JD. Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology, 7th Ed. ASM Press, Washington, DC. March 2006.

Hooks, JJ, Chin, MS, Chan, CC and Detrick, B. Monitoring Autoimmune Reactivity within the Retina. In Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology. Eds. Detrick, B, Hamilton, R and Folds, J. ASM Press, Washington, DC. p1136 –1140, Mar 2006.

Hooks, JJ, Chin, MS, Srinivarsin, K, Momma, Y, Hooper, L, Nagineni, C, Chan, CC and Detrick, B. Human Cytomegalovirus Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells augments Viral Replication through a Prostaglandin Pathway. Microbes and Infection 8; 2236-2244, Aug, 2006.

Lee, MT, Hooper, LC, Kump, L, Nussenblatt, R, Hooks, JJ and Detrick, B. Interferon-beta and Adhesion Molecules (E-selectin and sICAM-1) are detected in the sera from patients with retinal vasculitis and are induced in retinal vascular endothelial cells by TLR-3 signaling. Clin Exp Immunol. 147(1):71-80, Jan. 2007.

Nagineni, CN, Cherukuri, KS, Kutty,V, Detrick, B and Hooks, JJ. Interferon-gamma differentially regulates TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta 2 expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells through JAK-STAT pathway. J Cell Physiol 210: 192 - 200, 2007.

Detrick, B, Nagineni, C and Hooks, JJ. Cytokines: Regulators of Immune Responses and Key Therapeutic Targets. In Handbook of Immunology, 2nd Ed. M. O’Gorman. CRC Press. (In Press) 2007.

600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer B-125A,
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-614-3286/301-480-2988
E-mail: bdetrick@jhmi.edu

William M. Baldwin III, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology; Director, Division of Immunology

Education and Training
M.D., Ph.D., University of Rochester; Residency in Pathology, Peter Bent Brigham Hospital.

Professional Interests
Mechanisms of complement-mediated injury to vessels and tissues, macrophage and platelet interactions with endothelial cells that are stimulated by complement, antibody-mediated mechanisms of transplant rejection.

Notable Accomplishments
Authored more than 100 research articles in medical journals, 20 review articles, five book chapters. Created models of complement deficiency and regulation of complement synthesis. Introduced applications of novel reagents to the diagnosis and prevention of complement mediated tissue injury.

Major Professional Leadership
Editorial Board for Transplantation. Reviewer, Journal of Immunology, American Journal of Pathology, Laboratory Investigation, Human Immunology, Tissue Antigens, Developmental and Comparative Immunology, Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology. Member, Program Committee in the Basic Sciences for the American Society of Transplant Physicians. Ad hoc reviewer of grants for NIH, The Foundation of Medical and Health Research, The Netherlands, and the Kidney Foundation of Canada

Recent publications:
Minami K, Murata K, Lee C-Y, Fox-Talbot K, Wasowska BA, Pescovitz MD, Baldwin WM III. C4d deposition and clearance in cardiac transplants correlates with alloantibody levels and rejection in rats. Am J Transpl 6:923-932, 2006.

Qian Z, Lee CY, Murata K, Liu J, Fox-Talbot K, Wasowska BA, Baldwin WM III. Antibody and complement mediated injury in transplants following sensitization by allogeneic blood transfusion. Transplantation 82:857-64, 2006.

Yamakuchi M, Kirkiles-Smith NC, Ferlito M, Cameron SJ, Bao C, Fox-Talbot K, Wasowska BA, Baldwin WM III, Pober JS, Lowenstein CJ. Antibody to human leukocyte antigen triggers endothelial exocytosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.104:1301-6, 2007.

Wehner J, Morrell CN, Reynolds T, Rodriguez ER, Baldwin WM, III. Antibody and complement in transplant vasculopathy. Circ Res. 100:191-203, 2007

Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions,
720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 664D,
Baltimore, MD 21205;
Phone: 410-614-2053;
Fax: 410-614-3548;
E-mail: wbaldwin@jhmi.edu

Richard L. Humphrey, M.D.
Associate Professor School of Medicine, Department of Pathology

Education and Training
M.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Residency and Internship, Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital; Fellowship, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Clinical Interests
Nationally known in the field of plasma cell dyscrasias. His work with these disorders has applications for the recognition of multiple myeloma as well as Waldastrom’s macroglobulinemia, primary amyloidois and other lymphoproliferative disorders.

Research Interests
Monoclonal gammopathies, plasma cell dyscrasias, immunoglobulin structure and function, bone marrow transplantation, amyloidosis, hyperviscosity diagnosis and clinical syndromes, cryoglobulinemia, protein electrophoresis and immunofixation.

Notable Accomplishments
Introducedcellulose acetate electrophoresis, immunoglobulin quantitation, immunoelectrophoresis to Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Participated in the early studies leading to myeloablative therapy and bone marrow transplantation for multiple myeloma.

Major Professional Leadership
Founding member of the Johns Hopkins Immunology Council. Served on several national task forces for cancer education and nursing research. Medical consultant for the American Red Cross, Plasma Operations. Reviewer for Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Journal, and Transplant Proceedings, among other professional journals.

Johns Hopkins Medicine
600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer B125F
Baltimore, MD 21287;
Phone: 410-955-4382;
Fax:410-614-7314;
E-mail: rhumph@pds.path.jhu.edu

Noel R. Rose, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Pathology, Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, and Immunology and Environmental Health Sciences; Director, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Autoimmune Disorders; Director, Immunologic Disorders Laboratory.

Education and Training
M.D., State University of New York at Buffalo; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; Diplomate, American Board of Pathology, American Board of Medical Microbiology, American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology

Professional Interests
Clinical and diagnostic immunology, autoimmune disease.

Notable Accomplishments
Pioneering research on the etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Developed new laboratory tests for autoimmune disease and cancer markers.

Major Professional Leadership
Past Secretary-Treasurer and President, Clinical Immunology Society. Past Secretary-Treasurer, Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists. Board of Governors, American Academy of Microbiologists and the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine. Fellow, College of American Pathologists. American Academy of Microbiology. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. American Public Health Association. Editor in Chief, Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology (5 editions), Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology. Member, editorial board, 21 professional journals. Editor or co-editor, 17 books.

Johns Hopkins Medicine,
720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 659,
Baltimore, MD 21205;
Phone: 410-955-0330 or 410-614-2905
Fax: 410-614-3548 or 410-955-0105
E-mail: nrrose@jhmi.edu

Robert G. Hamilton, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and Pathology
Departments of Medicine (Division of Clinical Immunology) and Pathology
Director, Johns Hopkins Dermatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Reference Laboratory

Education and Training
Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University; Diplomate, American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine; American Society of Nuclear Medicine; American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology; American Society for Microbiology.

Clinical Interests
Allergic and Infectious disease; Immunodeficiency

Research Interests
Humoral immune responses to allergens, immunogens (vaccines) and
Assessment of Environments for Allergen burdens
Evaluation of Patients for Drug Allergy; Latex Allergy

Notable Accomplishments
Development of serologic assays for quantitation of allergen-specific human IgE, IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and lgG4 antibodies. Co-licensee for natural rubber latex diagnostic puncture skin test reagent. Developer, novel heterologous system employing chimeric antibodies for calibration of human antibody standards. Recognized internationally as expert in humoral immune responses associated with pathology and protection of humans with allergic disease.

Major Professional Leadership
Interagency Committee on Validation of Alternative. Toxicological Methods, NIOSH, CDC. Co-Chair, Diagnostic Allergy Sub-committee, Diagnostic Immunology Committee, National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards. Director, Diagnostic Allergy Interlaboratory Quality Control Program for USA. Member, Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology Resource Committee, College of American Pathologists. Editorial board member of numerous professional journals, including Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Journal of Clinical Immunoassay. Journal of Immunoassay. Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology. Reviewer, Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Chemistry, Immunology Letters, Journal of Immunology, Allergy, International Archives of Allergy and Immunology.

Recent publications
G Creticos PS, Schroeder JT, Hamilton RG, et al; Immunotherapy with a ragweed-toll-like receptor 9 agonist vaccine for allergic rhinitis. N Engl J Med. 2006 Oct 5;355(14):1445-55.

Biagini RE, MacKenzie BA, Hamilton RG. Latex specific IgE: performance characteristics of the IMMULITE 2000 3gAllergy assay compared with skin testing. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Aug;97(2):196-202.

Yeang HY, Hamilton RG, Bernstein DI, et al. Allergen concentration in natural rubber latex.
Clin Exp Allergy. 2006 Aug;36(8):1078-86.

Hamilton RG. Allergen specific human IgE antibody based analyses. In. Detecting Allergens in Food. Koppelman SJ. Hefle SL, Woodhead Publishing Ltd. London; CRC Press Boca Raton, 2006, Chapter 4, pp 79-96.

Johns Hopkins Medicine,
Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center
5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410-550-2031
Fax: 410-550-2030
E-mail: rhamilto@jhmi.edu

Maria Teresa Lee, MD
Instructor of Pathology
Immunology Laboratory
Department of Pathology
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes

Clinical Interests
The major workload of our laboratory comprise of serologic testing, autoimmune profiles and monoclonal gammopathy screenings. We are working toward the implementation of a gamma/IgG ratio, which in complement with the protein electrophoresis report, may aid in the diagnosis of a true monoclonal spike.

Research Interests Our immunology laboratory is focused in the detection of cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules in several diseases. I am involved in the research of cytokine profiles on retinal degeneration in animal models. The purpose of these ongoing studies is to unveil newer non-invasive potential disease markers. Most recently, we are studying chemokines involvement in lung transplant patients. Preliminary studies have shown the chemokine IL-8 as a potential prognostic marker.

Recent Publications
M. T. Lee, L. C. Hooper, L. Kump, K. Hayashi, R. Nussenblatt, J. J. Hooks, B. Detrick. Interferon-beta and adhesion molecules (E-selectin and s-intracellular adhesion molecule-1) are detected in sera from patients with retinal vasculitis and are induced in retinal vascular endothelial cells by Toll-like receptor 3 signalling. Clin Exp Immunol. 2007 Jan;147(1):71-80. Peter S. Amenta, Salim Hadad, Maria T Lee, Nicola Barnard, Jeanne Myers. Loss of types XV and XIX collagen precedes basement membrane invasion in ductal carcinoma of the female breast. Journal of Pathology 2003;199:298-308. Lee MT, Heller DS, Lambert WC, Bethel C. Cutaneous ciliated cyst with interspersed apocrine features presenting as a pilonidal cyst in a child. Pediatric Development Pathology. 2001 May-Jun;4(3):310-2.

600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer B-125F
Baltimore, MD 21287
Phone: 410-955-4382
Fax: 410-614-7609
Pager: 410-434-1209
Email: mlee46@jhmi.edu

Cuong T Nguyen, M.D., M.S.B.A.
Junior Faculty, Assistant
Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pathology
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes

Clinical Interests: Renal transplant/ Renal pathology/ transplant immunology

Research Interests: Renal pathology and autoimmune diseases; immunologic basis for plasma cell dyscrasias; multiple myeloma related immunodeficiencies/ HIV

600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer B-125F
Baltimore, MD 21287
Phone: 410-955-4382
Fax: 410-614-7609
Pager: 410-434-1209
Email: cnguye25@jhmi.edu

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Immunology Laboratory

Hours of operation: 8 am to 5 pm Monday--Friday. Limited STS coverage on Saturdays
Location: Meyer B120

Contact Information
Laboratory Phone: 410-955-6570
Laboratory Fax: 410-614-7314

Immunology Resident
Phone: 410-955-2737
Pager: 410-283-3406

Immunology Test Menu

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Cytokine Laboratory

The Cytokine Laboratory offers state-of-the art testing for a broad range of cytokines including, such cytokines as, IL-6, TNF-α IFN-γ, as a well as cytokine receptors, growth factors, chemokines, adhesion molecules, etc.

The laboratory director provides consultation for cytokine analysis. All requests need to be scheduled prior to sending samples. Contact the laboratory (410-955-4382) for appointment scheduling.

The Cytokine Laboratory is CLIA approved for investigative and clinical studies.

Specimen Requirements for Cytokine Testing
I. Acceptable Specimens: All samples must be delivered immediately to the Cytokine
Laboratory during the hours of 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM,
Monday-Friday or you may follow the sample preparation
below.

Serum: Collected in a red top tube

II. Sample Preparation

Allow blood to clot for 20 minutes. Centrifuge samples for 10 minutes at
1000g. Aliquot serum and store at < -20˚C (up to 3 months) or 70˚C (>3 months).

Note: Other samples such as plasma and tissue culture fluids can also be evaluated for research studies. Please contact the Cytokine Laboratory (410-955-4382).

For locations outside JHH please call the Laboratory prior to sending the samples. Arrangements for receipt of samples can be made at that time.
Download the Cytokine Menu [Word document].

Contact:

Cindy Merz
Laboratory Supervisor
410-614-4180
410-283-3435 Pager
cmerz@jhmi.edu

For Shipping Samples:
Cytokine Laboratory
600 N. Wolfe Street
Meyer Building, Room B-135
Baltimore, MD 21287-7065
Phone: 410-955-4382

For Consulation:
Barbara Detrick, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology
Director, Immunology & Cytokine Laboratories
bdetrick@jhmi.edu

 

Educational Programs

Assistant/Junior Faculty
This is a one or two year program that allows the successful candidate to function as a assistant/junior faculty member in the Immunology Laboratory. This laboratory evaluates samples from patients with a variety of immune-mediated conditions, i.e. autoimmunity, monoclonal gammopathy, transplantation, and infectious diseases. The assistant/junior faculty member will participate with other pathology faculty in interpreting, reporting and signing-out cases addressing immunoglobulin abnormalities. Overall, this position enhances education beyond a fellowship level since it is designed to provide advanced experience in clinical/diagnostic laboratory and teaching aspects of immune diseases. Research is an important component and strongly encouraged at both the experimental and clinical level in cytokine biology, transplantation, autoimmunity and tumor immunology. There is also potential for interdivisional collaboration in molecular oncology, immunopathology, neuropathology and immunohematology. Requirements: Board eligible in CP or in AP/CP. A Maryland medical license is required prior to starting date.

Pathology Residents
Clinical Pathology residents have a two-month rotation in the Immunology Laboratory. During this time, they will gain both a practical and theoretical knowledge of the performance and the interpretation of the various immunologic tests offered in this laboratory, which involves cases relating to monoclonal gammopathies, autoimmune conditions and the serological aspect of infectious disease states. In addition, residents have the opportunity to visit other Johns Hopkins Immunology laboratories, such as the HLA laboratory, the Immunodeficiency laboratory and the Allergy & Asthma laboratory. To complete the rotation, residents are exposed to and updated on new discoveries in Cytokine Biology, with emphasis on the clinical applications of cytokines, and given the opportunity to participate in cytokine research.

Medical Elective in Immunology

This clerkship is designed to review and teach clinical and technical aspects of medical laboratory Immunology. Students will rotate through the various Immunology laboratory areas including monoclonal protein evaluation, autoimmune testing and infectious disease serology. During this clerkship, students are exposed to a variety of immunologic tests, are instructed in the effective use and interpretation of these tests and are provided an opportunity to participate in evolving informatics for patient reporting. Translational research is an important component of the Immunology laboratory. This is evident in the Cytokine laboratory, the research arm of the Immunology service laboratory. Students are provided the opportunity to learn about new and exciting areas in Cytokine Biology. Cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules are evaluated at both the protein and gene expression levels, seen in a variety of clinical conditions.

ANA Clerkship
This clerkship emphasizes the role of the Immunology Laboratory in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune disease. Designed for third or fourth year medical students, the ANA Clerkship is often the student’s first exposure to clinical laboratory testing methods.

During the day-long clerkship, students observe methodologies used to detect auto-antibodies including ANA (antinuclear antibody), dsDNA (double stranded DNA) and ENA (extractable nuclear antigen) testing procedures which utilize the methodologies of EIA and indirect immuno-fluorescence. Students view automated technologies, observe slide preparation, engage in pattern interpretation and participate in didactic sessions, which, together, provide a well-rounded learning experience.

Allied Health Program
Medical Technology and Medical Laboratory Technician Programs Students in these undergraduate programs become familiar with testing methodologies performed in the Immunology Laboratory. We currently host students from the University of Maryland, the University of Delaware and Villa Julie College and, occasionally, those attending Morgan State University and Weber State University (online program).

Middle & High School Outreach
A unique outgrowth of the Allied Health Program is the outreach to area middle and high schools. Staff from the Immunology laboratory, as well as other Johns Hopkins Hospital laboratories, participate in programs to promote interest in the sciences at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle & Senior High Schools and Tench Tilghman Elementary School.

Specialized Rotations
Other rotations and/or laboratory observations are specifically tailored to meet the needs of Fellows, medical and laboratory students and visiting scientists and guests from all over the globe.

Immunology Faculty and staff participate in the following additional education endeavors:

• Autoimmune Day: a full day activity in which Johns Hopkins faculty and invited guests update their colleagues on their latest research findings.
• Immunology Teaching-two-week period of Immunology Lectures (an Immunology Section for second year medical students)
• Graduate Immunology- PhD graduate students in the Pathobiology program, which includes clinical laboratory rotations tailored to the students’ interests
• Selected courses in Graduate Immunology in the Bloomberg School of Public Health

Contact Information:
For further information, please contact the Educational Coordinator in Immunology, Terri Scott

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