John Killian, M.D., Ph.D., a volunteer clinical assistant professor in the UAB Division of Transplantation, is working to understand the science behind organ rejection and how it can potentially be avoided.
Killian is part of the research team whose work was recently published in the journal Immunity.
The article, entitled “Topography of the HLA-A protein enforces shared and convergent immunodominant B cell and antibody alloresponses in transplant recipients,” explores the mechanisms behind graft rejection in transplant recipients. Killian and the research team have focused on studying the structural and molecular basis of B-cell epitope targeting in this population.
This research focuses on a leading cause of graft failure in kidney transplantation: antibody-mediated rejection. The study examines the mechanisms that trigger immune responses against transplanted organs and identifies potential targets for therapies that might block this mode of rejection.
The publication in Immunity is the result of a partnership among authors from the UAB Departments of Surgery, Microbiology, Pathology, Informatics, and Medicine. This collaboration builds on a recently awarded $18.5 million NIH U19 grant studying immune responses in organ transplant, a program led by the study’s senior author and director of the UAB Immunology Institute, Frances Lund, Ph.D.
“This work represents the dedication of a remarkable team of researchers here at UAB, and it is a testament to the collaborative environment and supportive leadership we have. We are excited to continue building on this work to improve care for all transplant patients, “ says Killian.
A graduate of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and UAB General Surgery Residency Program, Killian completed a doctoral dissertation on the immunology of transplant rejection during his academic development time. Dr. Killian is currently completing an abdominal transplant surgery fellowship at Emory University. During this time, Dr. Killian has continued collaborating with the UAB Division of Transplantation.
“As the field of organ transplantation continues to evolve, it is crucial for us to stay informed about the latest discoveries and to implement the best practices in patient care. John Killian is one of our former trainees who has shown exceptional dedication to this field, and we are excited to see the achievements he will accomplish in the future,” says UAB Division of Transplantation Director Jacqueline Garonzik Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
