John E Edwards Jr
Professor
Medicine
Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute
United States of America
Biography
Dr. Edwards' research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial host defense, principally those caused by the fungus Candida, one of the most common causes of life-threatening blood infections in hospitalized patients. Dr. Edwards and his group has focused their research efforts to understand the interactions between C. albicans, endothelial cells, and immune responses. These interactions determine how Candida exploits the vascular compartment to invade deeper organ tissues. The advances made in Dr. Edwards' lab revealed specific proteins that could be used as vaccine candidates. Dr. Edwards and his team are currently optimizing the safety and efficacy of such targets as new vaccines. With his work he hopes to dramatically advance the development of new anti-fungal agents and immunotherapies to prevent and treat life-threatening infections.
Research Interest
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial host defense,immunotherapies , new vaccines
Publications
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Functional analysis of the Candida albicans ALS1 gene product. Yeast. 2004
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The anti-Candida vaccine based on the recombinant N-terminal domain of Als1p is broadly active against disseminated candidiasis. Infect Immun. 2006
