William Stohl

William Stohl, MD, PhD is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine. With over four decades of experience in rheumatology research and clinical practice, Dr. Stohl has established himself as a leading expert in autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

Dr. Stohl received his medical degree in 1977 and doctoral degree in 1979, both from the University of Pennsylvania. His extensive training has provided the foundation for his distinguished career in immunology and rheumatology research.

Dr. Stohl's research program has centered on elucidating the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, investigating their natural course, developing treatments, creating animal models, studying immunologic disturbances, and exploring novel therapeutics. A significant portion of his work has focused on B cells, examining their basic biology, role in autoimmune diseases, and the development of targeted therapies that modulate B cell function. His laboratory has made substantial contributions to understanding how B cell activating factor (BAFF) and related molecules influence autoimmune disease development and progression.

Analysis of Dr. Stohl's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the BAFF pathway and its role in autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. His work spans both basic science investigations of immune cell interactions and clinical research on therapeutic interventions. A notable trend is the exploration of belimumab (a BAFF inhibitor) and its effects on various aspects of SLE, including organ damage, circulating B cell subsets, and immunoglobulin levels. His research also extends to pregnancy-related aspects of autoimmune diseases and biomarker discovery for conditions like Sjogren's syndrome.

Dr. Stohl's significant contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

• Arthritis Foundation Southern California Chapter: James R. Klinenberg, M.D. Award (2003)
• University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine: Upjohn Award (1979)

As Chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Dr. Stohl oversees clinical, research, and educational activities in the field. His extensive publication record demonstrates a productive research program with collaborations across multiple institutions, contributing significantly to our understanding of autoimmune pathogenesis and the development of novel therapeutic approaches for patients with rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Stohl maintains an active clinical practice alongside his research endeavors, providing specialized care for patients with complex autoimmune conditions. His dual expertise in both clinical medicine and basic science research positions him as a leader in translational rheumatology who bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care.