KRANZ, David M.

Department of Biochemistry
Ph.D. (1982) University of Illinois

   Research Topics

• Antigen-Specific Receptors on T Cells
• Antibody-Based Immunotherapeutics

   Research Interests  

   Our laboratory is interested in two specific areas: 1) the molecular basis of recognition by T lymphocytes and 2) the development of novel approaches to regulate the activity of T cells. In the first, we have engineered soluble forms of the T cell receptor that is involved in antigen recognition in order to examine the structure and function of the receptor. In the second, our goals are to specifically inhibit the activity of detrimental T cells (e.g., T cells involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis or septic shock) or to enhance and redirect the activity of T cells against tumor cells. The approaches use genetically engineered anti-T cell receptor antibodies as either agonists or antagonists of T cell activity.

   Key Words   Recombinant DNA, Introduction of DNA into Animal Cells, Gene Expression Systems, Cellular Immunology, Monoclonal Antibodies, Animal Cell and/or Tissue Culture, Active Sites and Receptors

   Current Research Funding   NIH, U.S. Army Breast Cancer Research Program, Arthritis Foundation

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