Simmons Conference: Nijmeh Alsaadi, MD and Jordan Warunek

Nijmeh Alsaadi, MD

Title: Use of Plasma-derived Exosomes in Resuscitation in Murine Models of  Hemorrhagic Shock and Traumatic Injury

Hemorrhagic shock remains the second-leading cause of early trauma-related mortality. The transfusion of blood products has been shown to increase survival. However, the shortages of these products present a significant logistical challenge. Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles released by all cell types, have shown encouraging results when investigated as treatment options for other pathologies. In this project, we aim to investigate the effect of resuscitation using plasma-derived exosomes (PDEx) in comparison to other common interventions in murine models of hemorrhagic and polytrauma. "The observation of similar outcomes could imply that PDEx holds promise as a prospective therapeutic avenue for addressing traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

Mentor: Dr. Matthew D. Neal

Jordan Warunek

Title: Recipient Macrophage Recognition of MHCI Controls Tissue Repair Following Heart Transplantation

The repair of ischemic grafts requires a coordinated response by infiltrating monocytes. Yet, the local stimuli that direct monocyte and macrophage differentiation into reparative subsets remain poorly understood. Likewise, allografts develop fibrosis and vasculopathy despite potent immunosuppressants targeting T and B cells. This suggests a role for dysregulated myeloid cells in transplant pathology. Recent studies established that monocyte recognition of donor MHCI via PIRs directs their differentiation into allostimulatory dendritic cells after organ Tx. We aim to study whether macrophage recognition of MHCI impacts their differentiation and tissue repair after transplant. 

Mentor: Dr. Heth Turnquist