Mireille Delhase, Ph.D.

Recipients of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Awards

Mireille Delhase, Ph.D.

University of California, San Diego

2001 Sontag Foundation Fellowship of the Arthritis National Research Foundation
Grant Award: $45,000

"I am extremely touched by the confidence you and your family have placed in my scientific competence and in my project, and I have no words to express my gratitude. My motivation in conducting such research is not only scientific but also personal as my mother is also suffering from arthritis. I know how helpless a family can feel while facing such a degenerative disease. I thank you again for your support."

-- Dr. Mireille Delhase

About Dr. Delhase's Research:

Cytokine-mediated activation of IKK and NF- KB: Role in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint inflammation and progressive cartilage destruction. Molecules, called cytokines, produced by cells from the immune system, trigger this degenerative process. Cytokines are responsible for activating a protein, which in turn induces the production of enzymes and molecules that amplify the inflammatory process. The enzyme responsible for protein activation by cytokines has recently been discovered. Dr. Delhase is studying the molecular mechanism of this enzyme to identify potential new molecules involved in the initiation of the inflammatory process. The goal of this work is to develop new therapies to block inflammation in the early stage of rheumatoid arthritis before irreversible joint damage has occurred.

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