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

Chau-Ching Liu, MD, PhD

Research Assistant Professor of Medicine
Office: Arthritis Institute
S700 BST, 3500 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
 
Phone: 412-383-7037
Fax: 412-383-8753
E-mail: liu5@pitt.edu
Education
M.D., National Taiwan University, School of Medicine, 1983
Ph.D., Rockefeller University, 1989
Training
Postdoctoral, Rockefeller University, 1989
Area of Specialization/Research Interest  
Cellular and molecular immunology
Cytoxic T lymphocytes
Molecular mech. of lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicit
Roles of cytotoxic lymphocyte in autoimmune disord
Imflammatory myopathies
Polyomyositis
 
Profile
Dr. Liu's current research concentrates on elucidating the intricate roles of complement proteins, erythrocytes, and T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). During SLE flares, split products of complement proteins are generated as the result of complement activation. She has recently found that significant amounts of complement products are deposited on the surface of erythrocytes and T lymphocytes in SLE patients. These findings have prompted visiting the molecular basis of complement-mediated immunopathogenesis in SLE, and investigating the role of complement-bound erythrocytes/reticulocytes as novel biomarkers of SLE disease activity.
Recent Grants
Title: Complement, Cardiovascular Disease and SLE
Role: Co-Investigator
Amount: 225,000
Funding Agency: NIH
Start Year: 2003
End Year: 2007
Title: Erythrocytes as Time Capsules of Disease Activity in SLE
Role: Co-Investigator
Amount: 225,000
Funding Agency: NIH
Start Year: 2003
End Year: 2008
For Pub Med search results, click here.