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Clinical Immunology

Associate Professor Nitza Lahat

Main Research Area

	Investigation of the effects of microenvironmental factors (hypoxia/reoxygenation and related cytokines) on inflammatory behavior of immune-relevant cells (monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells). Specific Focus on: a. Regulation of the expression and activity of TNFa and nitric oxide (NO) as representatives of cytotoxic mediators in H/R associated immunity/ inflammation. b. Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in H/R mediated effects on cell survival, migration, and relationship with extracellular matrix. c. Effects of H/R on molecules responsible for antigen presentation, mainly HLA-DR and co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80.

Research projects

	1.	The possible involvement of MMP-2 in determining hypoxia- and hyperoxia-mediated fate of endothelial cells.

	2.	Effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation on antigen presentation by endothelial cells: regulation of HLA-DR and CIITA expression.

	3.	Effect of hypoxia and reoxygenation on the expression and activity of MMPs and TIMPs in human macrophages and endothelial cells.

	4.	Inactivation of preformed iNOS by hypoxia is regulated by cytoskeletal alterations.

	5.	The effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation on the modulation of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha

	6.	The regulation of nitric oxide (NO) in hypoxic areas of solid tumors

	7.	The hypoxic regulation of EMMPRIN, VEGF and MMP-9: effects on tumor progressin and angiogenesis.

Journal articles

Chapters and reviews in books and proceedings

	Lahat N, Shapiro S, Lerner A.
	Celiac disease - an autoimmune entity?
	The Decade of Autoimmunity. Elsevier, Science BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1998



	Lahat N, Shapiro S, Inspector M, Reich R, Gershtein R, Miller A
	Matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) in astroglial cells: distinct modulation by TNF-a and Interacting Cytokines.
	Progress Alzheimer''s and Parkinson''s Diseases, Plenum Press 1998



	Miller A, Shapiro S Lahat N
	Immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis and cytokine response.
	Frontiers in Multiple Sclerosis II, UK. 1999



	Braker C, Shapiro S, Lahat N, Honigman S, Miller A.
	Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and IL-8 CSF levels correlate with brain edema following cerebral infraction.
	Advances in Critical Care Testing. AVL Medical Instruments AG, Switzerland. 1999



	Lahat N, Miller A, Rahat M.
	Significance and regulation of the expression of MHC class II molecules on autoimmune and neoplastic thyroid cells.
	Cancer and Autoimmunity. Elsevier Science, Amsterdam 2000



	Lahat N, Shapiro S.
	Atherosclerosis, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and ischemia/hypoxia.
	Atherosclerosis and Autoimmunity Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2000



	Ben-Yosef Y, Shapiro S, Miller A, Lahat N.
	Hypoxia simultaneously enhances matrix metalloproteinase 2 and apoptosis in endothelial cells.
	Tumor Microenvironment, Progression, Therapy & Prevention, Monduzzi Editore, Bologna, Italy. 2002

Available graduate student positions

	Degree: M.Sc. Hypoxic regulation of iNOS-ACTN4 interaction in the TRAMP-C2 prostate cancer cells.




	Degree: M.Sc. Role of miR-146a in iNOS regulation: translational inhibition as means to escape macrophage-induced apoptosis.