Theresa Lu, MD, PhD

Appointments

Associate Scientist, Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program and Pediatric Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery

Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Associate Professor, Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Education

BS Yale University
MD, PhD Yale University

Residency
Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Fellowship
Pediatric Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco

Board Certification
Pediatrics
Pediatric Rheumatology

State Licensure
New York

Selected Publications

Research Description

Lymphoid Tissue Vascular-Stromal Regulation and Function

Secondary lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes are the sites of primary immune responses. These lymphoid tissues grow rapidly and robustly during an immune response, and this growth is accompanied by growth of the blood vessels. Although work in recent years has delineated the regulation of vascular growth in a number of systems, the regulation of lymphoid tissue vessel growth is not well understood. However, because blood vessels of the lymphoid tissues are critical for the delivery of oxygen, micronutrients, and cells, manipulating the growth of blood vessels may be a means to manipulate immune function.

We have identified a role for dendritic or other CD11c+ cells and for fibroblastic reticular cells in regulating lymph node vascular growth. In lymph nodes, blood vessels are suspended in a reticular network composed of collagen-rich fibrils that are ensheathed by fibroblastic reticular cells. We have shown that fibroblastic reticular cells are the main VEGF mRNA-expressing cell type within lymph nodes. Dendritic cells are directly attached to the reticular network and are enriched in vessel-rich areas. Our model is currently that dendritic cells that are activated by the immune stimulus induce fibroblastic reticular cells to upregulate VEGF, which leads to endothelial cell proliferation. Dendritic cells are best known for their function in presenting antigen to T cells; we propose that also play a role in preparing the lymph node vascular-stromal microenvironment for the ensuing immune response.

After vascular expansion, there is a stage of vascular quiescence and stabilization whereby proliferation of the newly expanded vasculature is downregulated and the vessels are made less leaky. We have identified a role for a distinct subset of late-accumulating dendritic cells in regulating vascular quiescence and stabilization and are currently trying to understand how these dendritic cells work. We have also shown that disruption of vascular quiescence and stabilization is associated with disrupted B cell responses. Abnormal B cell responses in autoimmune diseases such as lupus lead to the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies which cause inflammation in skin, kidney and other internal organs. We are testing the possibility that disruption of vascular quiescence and stabilization could be a novel means by which to control pathogenic autoantibody generation.

Interested postdoc applicants should send cover letter, CV, and contacts for 3 references to lut@hss.edu

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

One of the goals of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and related disciplines for the benefit of patients. Research staff at HSS may collaborate with outside companies for education, research and medical advances. HSS supports this collaboration in order to foster medical breakthroughs; however, HSS also believes that these collaborations must be disclosed.

As part of the disclosure process, this website lists Research staff collaborations with outside companies if the Research staff member received any payment during the prior year or expects to receive any payment in the next year. The disclosures are based on information provided by the Research staff and other sources and are updated regularly. Current ownership interests and leadership positions are also listed. Further information may be available on individual company websites.

As of March 06, 2013, Dr. Lu reported no financial interest relationships with industry.

By disclosing the collaborations of HSS Research staff with industry on this website, HSS and its Research staff make this information available to patients and the public, thus creating a transparent environment for those who are interested in this information. Further, HSS’ Conflicts of Interest Policy does not permit payment of royalties on products developed by him/her that are used on patients at HSS.