معرفی
Robert Lochhead, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), with a secondary faculty appointment in Medicine (Rheumatology). He earned his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Utah in 2014. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms driving arthritis pathogenesis, particularly in Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Key areas of investigation include post-infectious Lyme arthritis, autoimmune responses triggered by infection, and the role of peptidoglycan in synovial inflammation. His lab uses murine models and clinical patient samples to study immune dysregulation and tissue damage.
Key research themes include:
- Role of synovial fibroblasts in antigen presentation
- Mechanisms of epitope spreading in autoimmunity
- Impact of bacterial components (e.g., peptidoglycan) on joint inflammation
- MicroRNA regulation in chronic arthritis
- Development of diagnostic biomarkers for treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis
Major findings include identification of HLA-DR+ fibroblast-like synoviocytes as inducible antigen-presenting cells, discovery of peptidoglycan's role in osteoarthritis inflammation, and characterization of MHC class II epitopes from Lyme autoantigens. His work bridges basic immunology with clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Lyme-related arthritis and autoimmune conditions.
Dr. Lochhead collaborates with MCW's Center for Immunology and Center for Infectious Disease Research. His publications span high-impact journals like JCI Insight, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and Arthritis & Rheumatology, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to infectious and autoimmune diseases.
