M Pihalja studies the immune system, specifically a type of immune cell called T cells, in patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus. They investigate how these T cells change and become more active during disease flares, which are periods when symptoms worsen. Their work looks for patterns in these cells that could help doctors better understand and monitor the severity of lupus, potentially leading to new ways to treat or manage the condition.
Key findings
Identified an abnormal T cell subset in lupus patients that is linked to the severity of the disease.
Increased levels of the specific T cell type matched the intensity of disease flares in lupus patients.
Proposed that these altered T cells could serve as a new biomarker (a measurable indicator) for active lupus.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Pihalja study lupus?
Yes, Dr. Pihalja's research focuses on lupus and its impact on immune cells.
What treatments has Dr. Pihalja researched for autoimmune diseases?
Dr. Pihalja's work explores potential treatments that target specific immune cell types to prevent disease flares.
How can Dr. Pihalja's findings help lupus patients?
By identifying T cells that indicate disease severity, their research may lead to better monitoring and treatment strategies for lupus patients.
Publications in plain English
Characterisation of an epigenetically altered CD4(+) CD28(+) Kir(+) T cell subset in autoimmune rheumatic diseases by multiparameter flow cytometry.
2016
Lupus science & medicine
Strickland FM, Patel D, Khanna D, Somers E, Robida AM +4 more
Plain English Researchers found a specific type of immune cell (a T cell with particular surface markers) that appears in patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases; this cell type is abnormally activated and likely drives disease flares. The amount of these cells in lupus patients directly matched how severe their disease was at the time of testing. These abnormal cells could become a useful blood test to detect when lupus is active and might be a new target for treatments to prevent disease flares.
Long-term haematopoietic reconstitution by Trp53-/-p16Ink4a-/-p19Arf-/- multipotent progenitors.
2008
Nature
Akala OO, Park IK, Qian D, Pihalja M, Becker MW +1 more
Plain English This research focused on how certain genetic changes in mice affect the ability of blood cell precursors to grow and produce more cells over time. Researchers found that mice lacking three specific genes showed about a 10-fold increase in the number of these blood cell precursors that could sustain blood production long-term. This finding is significant because it identifies how specific genes limit the growth of blood cell precursors, which could help explain how certain cancer cells might develop the ability to outgrow healthy cells.
Who this helps: This helps researchers studying blood disorders and cancer treatments.
Bmi-1 is required for maintenance of adult self-renewing haematopoietic stem cells.
2003
Nature
Park IK, Qian D, Kiel M, Becker MW, Pihalja M +3 more
Plain English This study focused on understanding the role of a gene called Bmi-1 in maintaining blood-forming stem cells in mice and humans. Researchers found that while the number of these stem cells was normal in young mice without the Bmi-1 gene, adult mice lacking this gene had significantly fewer stem cells. In fact, in adult mice without Bmi-1, their stem cells could not renew themselves and quickly died off, indicating that Bmi-1 is vital for keeping these cells alive and functioning.
Who this helps: This research is beneficial for scientists and doctors working to improve treatments related to blood diseases and stem cell therapies.
New oncolytic adenoviruses with hypoxia- and estrogen receptor-regulated replication.
2002
Human gene therapy
Hernandez-Alcoceba R, Pihalja M, Qian D, Clarke MF
Plain English This study looked at new types of viruses designed to selectively target and kill breast cancer cells. Researchers created two specific viruses, AdEHT2 and AdEHE2F, which only replicate in cancer cells that are exposed to estrogen or low oxygen, enhancing their ability to destroy tumors. They found that these viruses are more effective in targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, improving treatment safety and effectiveness.
Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients by potentially providing a more targeted and less harmful treatment option.
Evaluation of a new dual-specificity promoter for selective induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
2001
Cancer gene therapy
Hernandez-Alcoceba R, Pihalja M, Nunez G, Clarke MF
Plain English This study looked at a new way to target and kill breast cancer cells using a special type of promoter that activates cell death when certain conditions are met. They found that this method effectively induced cell death specifically in breast cancer cells that have estrogen receptors or are growing in low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments. In lab tests, this approach showed promise for selectively targeting cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Who this helps: This benefits breast cancer patients, particularly those with estrogen receptor-positive tumors.
A novel, conditionally replicative adenovirus for the treatment of breast cancer that allows controlled replication of E1a-deleted adenoviral vectors.
2000
Human gene therapy
Hernandez-Alcoceba R, Pihalja M, Wicha MS, Clarke MF
Plain English Researchers have created a new virus, called Ad5ERE2, designed to specifically target and kill breast cancer cells that have estrogen receptors (ER), which are present in many breast cancers. In tests, this virus was able to kill ER(+) breast cancer cells just as effectively as a traditional virus, while having less effect on cells without estrogen receptors. When combined with another virus that promotes cell death, the effectiveness of both was dramatically improved and could be adjusted with the addition of tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen drug.
Who this helps: This research benefits breast cancer patients, particularly those with estrogen receptor-positive tumors.