The research of Dr. Frank's laboratory revolves around effector mechanisms of immune damage. Specifically, the laboratory is interested in understanding how antibody and complement contribute to the damage of tissues and micro-organisms. Overlapping areas of interest include the role of mediators in inflammation and the functions of antibody and complement in the production of autoimmune disease. Specific interests of the group in the last year have included studies of the mechanism by which infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin into animals and man down regulates immunologic damage. A second area of interest concerns the role of complement and antibody in the pathogenesis of HIV and in prevention of HIV infection. A third area concerns the role of complement in the generation of an immune response. A long term interest has been in the clinical signs and appropriate treatment of patients with hereditary angioedema.
