Meredith Gregory-Ksander

Fas ligand and ocular immune privilege

My laboratory has identified novel forms of soluble Fas ligand that are unique to the eye. We are currently conducting experiments that (i) examine the function of the modified forms of soluble Fas ligand and (ii) determine the role of these modified forms in the maintenance of ocular immune privilege. Host Response to Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is an infection of the posterior segment of the eye that can destroy the eye within 72 hours. While much has been learned in recent years about the contribution of bacterial virulence factors to the pathogenesis of endophthalmitis, little is known about the host response to endophthalmitis. The ultimate goal of this project is to understand the innate immune response to endophthalmitis and determine how host factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of the infection. We believe that a complete understanding of the host immune response to endophthalmitis and how this response can be modulated is critical in the development of new therapies to treat this devastating infection and prevent loss of vision.

Immunology of glaucoma

Pigmentary glaucoma is one of the most common forms of secondary glaucoma. However, the underlying cause remains unclear. The DBA/2J mouse is an animal model of pigmentary glaucoma and provides us with a unique tool to study the causes of glaucoma in order to design improved and targeted treatments. Two gene defects are known to cause the release of pigmented particles, resulting in pigmentary glaucoma. However, there are additional unknown factors that contribute to pigmentary glaucoma. We previously demonstrated that immune abnormalities that terminate ocular immune privilege are critical in the development of glaucoma. The ultimate goal of this project is to understand the cause of the immune abnormalities in pigmentary glaucoma and identify new targets for treatment.

Immunotherapy for the treatment of retinoblastoma

In a collaborative effort my laboratory is working on the development of a novel immunotherapy for the treatment of retinoblastoma. My laboratory is currently examining the immunotherapeutic potential of bioactive microvesicles expressing membrane Fas ligand for the induction of innate mediated inflammation, rejection of retinoblastoma, and protection from secondary tumors.