Human Genetics
Pandey Lab

Pandey Lab Research

The Pandey lab studies the role of immunoglobulin G isotypes, complement activation products, toll-like receptors, cytokines and chemokines in induction of inflammation in genetic and rare diseases. Using a mouse model and a chemically induced in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro model and human patients with lysosomal storage diseases, Dr. Pandey’s laboratory is currently exploring better understanding of how excess accumulation of certain lipids activate innate and adaptive immune system to trigger visceral and CNS tissue damage.

Additionally, our current research efforts focus on FcγR, C5aR, and TLRs - mediated downstream signaling involved in the inflammatory response. Our laboratory consistently uses some of the standard cellular and immunological techniques such as purification and characterization of several immune cells, (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T and B cell subsets), antigen presentation assay, immunoglobulin isotype switching, ELISA, proteome array, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, real time PCR, immunohistochemistry, FACS, chemotaxis, protein purification techniques, etc.

Long-Term Research Aims

  • Investigate the role of innate and adaptive immune cells for propagation of visceral and central nervous system inflammation in lysosomal storage diseases
  • Uncovering the downstream signaling, that initiate and propagate the immunological inflammation and tissue damage in lysosomal storage and neurodegenerative diseases.

Meet the PI

Manoj Pandey

Manoj K. Pandey, PhD

My research explores the complex roles of IgG immune complexes, complement systems, and immune cell functions in lysosomal storage and neurodegenerative disorders. A significant breakthrough was my discovery of how C5a activation drives inflammation in inflammatory diseases, leading to novel therapeutic approaches, as published in prestigious journals such as Journal of Clinical Investigation, Journal of Experimental Medicine, Nature Medicine, and Nature. My contributions have been recognized with funding from the NIH, Alexion Rare Disease Innovation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Orphan Disease Center, and resulted in a US patent. Currently, my lab investigates how complement activation affects immune inflammation in various rare genetic and neurodegenerative diseases.

Learn More and Meet My Team