Current Research
Our overall goal is to develop improved strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases.
Infection, Inflammation and Immune Diseases
IIDRC focuses on investigating inflammatory diseases that affect various organs and tissues in the body such as cardiovascular, lung and nervous systems as well as conducting autoinflammatory and autoimmune disease research. The center incorporates microbiome and metabolome data for a more comprehensive approach studying these diseases. Sex differences are also an important aspect that is considered in inflammation research as well as cancer research.
Kawasaki Disease Research
At the Kawasaki Disease Research Center, we aim to improve the understanding of Kawasaki Disease pathogenesis by applying novel technologies in both animals models and human research and accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutics. Using high-throughput sequencing technologies, we seek to decipher the cellular and molecular networks underlying Kawasaki Disease development. We are also interested in understanding how alterations in the microbiome, metabolome and proteome affect Kawasaki Disease development.
Emerging Infectious Diseases Research
One of the major goals of the IIDRC is to tackle challenging medical problems in infectious and immunologic diseases, particularly Emerging Infectious Diseases and the development of vaccines. IIDRC and the Infectious Disease Division members collaborate and work closely with CSMC Medical Epidemiology and Infection Control Programs. Cedars-Sinai has been selected as Regional Treatment Center for Ebola and Other Infectious Diseases such as COVID-19. The medical Center has expanded readiness to deliver care under a new federal grant meant to improve the response to emerging medical threats. As such, Cedars-Sinai will play a critical role in bolstering the nation's front-line defense against Ebola and other highly infectious diseases. Cedars-Sinai and the state health agency are part of a national network of 10 regional treatment centers. The hospital will be responsible for patients from California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and U.S. territories in the Pacific.
Ongoing Projects
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccination as Defense Against SARS-CoV-2 (BADAS) is a randomized placebo-controlled trial to study whether BCG can protect against COVID-19 infection and/or decrease disease severity by enhancing trained immune response. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are looking for up to 400 volunteers to participate in the blinded study in which volunteers will be randomized to receive a one-time BCG vaccine or placebo (inactive) injection. This trial enrolls adults 18 years of age and older who will be asked to fill out weekly questionnaires about COVID-19 symptoms and to provide a monthly blood sample during a six-month period. Cedars-Sinai is collaborating with Texas A&M, Baylor College of Medicine, Harvard University and MD Anderson on the study. Additionally, participants will have the option to participate in a wearable device sub-study.
Those interested in participating should email groupresearchbadastrial@cshs.org.
Pediatric Research Immune Network on SARS-CoV-2 and MIS-C (PRISM) is a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study to assess short- and long-term clinical outcomes and immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or MIS-C in children (people who have not reached their 21st birthday). This trial enrolls children who test positive for COVID-19 and examines their blood, urine, stool and respiratory secretions, along with clinical condition to understand how their immune system reacts to this infection over time. There are no interventions during this trial, only clinical observation.
Have Questions or Need Help?
Contact us if you have questions, or wish to learn more about the Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center at Cedars-Sinai.
Davis Research Building 4th Floor, Suite D4018
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048