Research

Dr. Samuel Lehrer, Director

The Allergy & Clinical Immunology Research Laboratory, directed by Dr. Samuel Lehrer, performs research in areas focusing on food and environmental agents that cause allergic reactions. Studies have centered on investigations of shrimp-induced allergic reactions.

The major focus has been identification and characterization of shrimp allergens as well as the immunopathogenesis of shrimp allergy. Other studies have been directed at allergy risk assessment for genetically-modified foods, including corn allergy and characterizing allergic reactions to corn products.

Deborah O. Crowe, PhD, Director

The Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory provides histocompatibility testing support for the Tulane Multi-Organ Transplant Programs which include kidney, liver, heart and pancreas, as well as allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation. This support includes typing for the genes and antigens of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (HLA) in order to determine the level of phenotypic and/or genetic HLA identity between individuals.

It also includes crossmatching between recipient sera and donor lymphocytes; antibody screening of patient to determine the level of sensitization and specificity of antibodies to HLA antigens in the general population. The laboratory also provides HLA typing for disease association with certain HLA antigens and other non-transplant related reasons, including research.

The Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Laboratory provides the following testing services:

Serological Typing - Class I and Class II
DNA Allotyping of Class II Alleles
Flow Cytometry

The laboratory has expansive expertise in the following:

• HLA typing for Class I and Class II specificities by serological and molecular methodology, Class I DNA typing resolution is currently low/intermediate, i.e., antigen level.  Class II DNA typing includes high resolution, i.e., allele level.
• Three color flow cytometry for immunophenotyping, antibody screening and crossmatching.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays for the detection and identification of antibodies specific for HLA antigens.
• Isolation and viable freezing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

The laboratory is accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (AHSI) for high complexity testing under CLIA.  In addition, the laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the South-Eastern Organ Procurement Foundation (SEOPF).

The lab operates Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Our technical staff is always available outside normal operation hours.  Please refer to our on-call schedule.