Research is a major priority of the Division of Rheumatology at WashU Medicine. Our laboratories are working to advance fundamental knowledge of human biology and disease, and our clinicians are conducting numerous clinical trials and epidemiological studies.
Ongoing basic and translational science efforts includes studies of complement, natural killer and other innate lymphoid cells, T-cell biology and mucosal immunology, chikungunya viral arthritis, lupus, innate and adaptive immunity, nanotherapies for rheumatoid arthritis, and human genetics. Clinical research efforts include clinical trials and epidemiological studies of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Research highlights
Here are just a few examples of how we are changing what is possible through bold research:
- Investigating the immune drivers of autoimmune disease. Every day our bodies are exposed to pathogens that have the potential to trigger autoimmune disease by initiating an immune response in individuals that overwhelms body’s normal checks and balances. By understanding how these pathogens such as the Chikungunya virus or other viruses cause a form of arthritis that resembles “seronegative” rheumatoid arthritis will help us develop specialized treatments that will specifically address this entity.
- Developing new approaches to diagnose and prevent autoimmune disease. Most patients suffer from symptoms of autoimmune disease for years before getting a diagnosis. WashU Medicine researchers are leading the charge to change this by developing a new blood test to detect the cells that cause autoimmunity. While this new platform is undergoing clinical development for a set of diseases caused by the gene HLA-B27, the potential application will be for any disease of the immune system.
- Pioneering regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis. WashU Medicine researchers are working to transform osteoarthritis treatment by developing therapies that do more than manage pain — they aim to repair damaged joints. Their work uses advanced nanoparticles to deliver genetic instructions directly to joint cells, enabling them to reduce inflammation, regenerate cartilage, and potentially halt or even reverse disease progression with minimally invasive treatment.
For our investigators, unrestricted philanthropic support early in their career or research is often the critical factor that enables promising ideas to advance into treatments that improve patient care.
Deepali Sen, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Research Interests: Lupus, clinical trials
Medical School: Seth G. S. Medical College, University of Mumbai, India (2003)
Residency: King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India (2003)
Residency: Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, New Jersey (2010)
Akhil Sood MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Research Interests: Epidemiology & Outcomes, Quality of Care, Lupus
Joy Um, MD
Instructor of Medicine
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Residency: MetroHealth Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio
Fellowship: Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (2023-2026)
Wayne Yokoyama, MD
Sam J. Levin and Audrey Loew Levin Professor of Medicine
Research Interests: Natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, autoimmunity
Fang “Roseanne” Zhao, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Medical School: University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
Graduate School: University of Cambridge and the National Institute of Health, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Residency: BJH/Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
Fellowship: Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (2018-2021)
Lisa A Zickuhr, MD, MHPE
Associate Professor of Medicine
Research Interests: Healthcare professions education
Clinical Interests: Systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune interstitial lung disease
Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 2012
Internship: BJH/Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (2013)
Residency: BJH/Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (2015)
Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (2018)
Graduate School: Master of Health Profession, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri (2021)