Savinov, Alexei

• Post-doc, Immunology, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 

• Post-doc, Cell Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 

• Ph.D., Biochemistry, Institute for Experimental Medicine; Academy of Medical Sciences, Leningrad 

• M.D., Medicine, The 1st Leningrad Medical Academy, Leningrad

My main interest is mechanistic dissection of natural and induced causes that precipitate the pathological state of the immune system, called autoimmunity. Autoimmunity generally clinically manifests as a variety of organ-specific diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), for which we have a plethora of mouse models. Progression of T1D involves the activation of autoimmune T cells, consequent honing of activated lymphocytes to the pancreatic islets, and ensuing destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Our studies focus on determining how autoimmune T cells are initially activated during T1D pathogenesis, how they hone to the target organ, and how they destroy their beta cell targets, causing clinical onset of T1D. The main goal of the research projects in my laboratory is to design and exploit tools for the manipulation of adaptive immunity for therapeutic purposes. To achieve this goal we use a variety of genetic, molecular biological, and biochemical approaches.