Awarded the Distinguished Senior Career Award from the American Society of Transplantation 2023

Grants and Awards

2022-2023          A Biomarker for Endothelial Health in Transplantation. The Dr Michael M Abecassis Transplant Innovation Endowment (Co-I).

2021-2022          Understanding the Immunogenicity of HLA-DQ Antibodies in Solid Organ Transplantation. Comprehensive                                                        Transplant Center. The Dr Michael M Abecassis Transplant Innovation Endowment.

2020-2023          Sanofi-Aventis

A Phase 1b/2 study to evaluate the safety, PK, and preliminary efficacy of Isatuximab in patients awaiting kidney transplantation

2020-2023          Viela Bio

A phase 2 open-label, prospective, randomized study of Inebilizumab and VIB4920 or the combination for desensitization of highly sensitized candidates awaiting a kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

2020-2021          Dr Mike Abecassis Transplant Innovation Endowment Grant

CRISPR/Cas9 edited singly expressed HLA class II cells for the study of HLA-DQ immunogenicity.

2020                   Analyzing the immunogenicity of HLA-DQ in solid organ transplantation

Vanguard Charitable Endowment – Paul I Terasaki fund

2018-2021          Paul I. Terasaki Research Foundation – HLA-DQ Immunogenicity and its role in antibody mediated rejection in solid organ transplantation.

2018-2023          Paul Terasaki Research Grand for HLA Director in Training Fellowship

2016-2020          Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

Astagraf XL® to Understand the Impact of Immunosuppression on De Novo DSA Development and Chronic Immune Activation in Kidney Transplantation

2008-2011          Investigator. A phase 2, multicenter, open-label, active comparator-controlled, extension trial to evaluate the long-term safely and efficacy of CP-690,550 in renal allograft recipient. A3921050 – 1046

2008-2011          Sub-Investigator. University of Louisville. Induction of Donor Specific Tolerance in Recipients of Living Kidney Allografts by Donor Stem Cell Infusion. Leventhal PI

2007-2010          Investigator. Wyeth. Randomized conversion of calcineurin-inhibitor (Tacrolimus to Sirolimus) at 6-24 months post transplant in a prednisone-free immunosuppression regimen: Impact of acute rejection, renal allograft function and T cell function. Levitsky PI

2007-2008          Investigator, Wyeth: “Immune tolerance profiles after conversion from Tacrolimus to Sirolimus in liver transplant recipients” Levitsky PI

2007-2012          Investigator, NIH: “Donor Stem Cells, Campath, T/B cell regulation in HLA-identical renal transplants” Miller PI

2006-2011          Sub-Investigator, NIH (DAIT; NIAID): “CTOT-02: B cell depletion by anti-CD20 (Rituximab) in renal allograft recipients who develop de novo anti-HLA alloantibodies will result in inhibition of alloantibody production and attenuation of chronic humoral rejection. Friedewald Center PI

2006-2008          Sub-Investigator. AST. Immunophenotyping and Functional Profiles of Peripheral Lymphocytes In Renal Transplant Recipients After T-Cell Depletion With Alemtuzumab (Anti-CD52 Monoclonal Antibody)-Potential Implications For Safe Immunosuppressive Minimization. Leventhal PI

2006-2007          Co-PI, NMF: “Desensitization for Highly Sensitized Recipients of Pancreas Transplantation”

2005-2007          Co-PI, CINN:  “Immunological response to stem cell transplantation”

2005-2009          Investigator. Roche. A Phase IV, Single Center Pilot Study Using Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H) Induction Combined with Prednisone-Free and Calcineurin-Inhibitor-Free Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplantation. Leventhal PI

2005-2008          Co-Investigator. Ilex Oncology, Inc: “Desensitization of Cross Match Positive Renal Transplant Recipients Using Alemtuzumab” Leventhal PI

2004                    PI. Theracos Inc. “Photopheresis treatment – its effect on immune cells”

1999-2002          American Heart Association, Mid-west affiliate; #9951446Z; “Risk stratification of heart transplant recipients by flow cytometry detected antibodies against histocompatibility molecules”

1998-1999          PI. Burlington Bio-Medical & Scientific Corporation: “In-vitro Protection of Human Lymphocytes And neuronal Cells Against Oxidation Damage By Ethoxyquine Phosphate And Propyl Gallate”

1997-1998         University Committee of Research, Rush Medical College: “The role of ultraviolet B irradiation in antigen processing and presentation”

1997-1998         American Cancer Society, New Investigator Grant: “Construction of Pgp deficient cells”

1989-1991         Israel Ministry of Health, #1579: “Immunogenetics of primary Sjogren’s syndrome in Jewish patients”