Dawn Smilek

Dawn Smilek, MD, PhD, is a Professor at the Diabetes Center within the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Her research focuses on immune tolerance mechanisms, autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis and multiple sclerosis, and the development of novel immunotherapies. She is particularly known for her work on immunosuppressive agents like abatacept and their effects on T cell subsets and immune pathways. Dr. Smilek’s work spans clinical trials investigating treatments for psoriasis and lupus nephritis, as well as translational studies on the immune cell landscape in autoimmune conditions.

Her research interests include the dynamics of anti-nuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the role of microbiota in immune regulation, and the application of gene and cellular therapies for autoimmune diseases. She collaborates with co-authors such as Wofsy, Dall’Era, and Zamvil on projects addressing immune system diseases and therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Smilek’s publications highlight advancements in understanding immunological pathways, including studies on T follicular helper cells and regulatory T cells, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying lupus nephritis and psoriasis. Her clinical contributions include pivotal trials like ACCLAIM (abatacept in multiple sclerosis) and PAUSE (ustekinumab withdrawal in psoriasis).

Her academic affiliation with the Diabetes Center underscores her interdisciplinary approach to autoimmune research, bridging immunology, nephrology, and dermatology.