Jeffrey V. Ravetch, M.D., Ph.D.

Research

Our laboratory investigates the basic mechanisms by which the immune system insures effective protective responses to pathogenic challenges while avoiding the development of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases. Through detailed genetic and biochemical approaches, the laboratory seeks to understand how antibodies mediate their pleiotropic biological responses both to modulate immune responses and function as potent effector molecules. Based on this knowledge we are developing novel approaches that harness the ability of the immune system to eliminate pathogens and tumor cells while simultaneously preventing the inappropriate activation of these pathways in autoimmune conditions.