Department of Medicine

University of Pittsburgh

Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
S700 Biomedical Science Tower
3500 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Phone: (412) 383-8000

Joseph M. Ahearn, MD
photo

Associate Professor of Medicine (with tenure)

Director of Research

Co-Director, Lupus Center of Excellence
Office: Arthritis Institute
S700 BST, 3500 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
 
Phone: 412-648-9413
Fax: 412-648-8864
E-mail: joa8@pitt.edu
Education
B.A., Cornell University, 1977
M.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1981
Training
Internship, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1982
Residency, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1984
Postdoctoral, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1986
Postdoctoral, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1987
Area of Specialization/Research Interest  
Innate Immunity and Autoimmunity
 
Profile
Dr. Ahearn's laboratory is investigating the molecular basis underlying the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with deficiency of component(s) within the classical pathway of the complement system through studies aimed at clarifying the role of complement-mediated clearance of apoptotic cells and pathogenesis. He is developing a novel assay for diagnosing and monitoring disease activity in SLE and other autoimmune diseases based on the observation that products of complement activation, C4d and C3d, are detected on the surface of erythrocytes and platelets (C4d) of SLE patients at much higher levels and expression of CR1 on erythrocytes is significantly lower in SLE patients than in healthy individuals. Dr. Ahearn is developing both in vitro and in vivo models to dissect the molecular mechanisms through which complement components, influence vascular elasticity and development of premature cardiovascular disease in SLE.
Recent Grants
Title: Complement, Cardiovascular Disease and SLE
Role: Principal Investigator
Amount: 1,375,933
Funding Agency: NIH
Start Year: 2003
End Year: 2007
Title: Erythrocytes as Time Capsules of Disease Activity in SLE
Role: Prinicpal Investigator
Amount: 1,597,375
Funding Agency: NIH
Start Year: 2003
End Year: 2008
Title: Mining the Complement System for Lupus Biomarkers
Role: Prinicpal Investigator
Amount: 500,000
Funding Agency: Alliance for Lupus Research
Start Year: 2003
End Year: 2007
Title: Rheumatic Diseases Center - Flow Cytometry Core
Role: Principal Investigator
Amount: 2,898,102
Funding Agency: NIH
Start Year: 2001
End Year: 2006
For Pub Med search results, click here.