For Immediate Release
February 26, 2009

BUFFALO, NY − The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded a five-year, $2,176,043 research grant to Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) to examine mechanisms of acute inflammation. Brahm H. Segal, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases at RPCI, is the principal investigator.

“Inflammation helps the body defend against infections, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Just as it is important to stimulate inflammation to control infections, it is also necessary to turn off the inflammatory response to avoid tissue injury and allergy. Excessive inflammation is associated with a broad range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases,” said Dr. Segal.

Dr. Segal and colleagues from Vanderbilt University Medical Center will analyze NADPH oxidase (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase), an enzyme complex that helps defend against infections. The study will also offer new insights into chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a rare inherited disorder of the NADPH oxidase that is characterized by recurrent infections and inflammatory complications.

“Future studies supported by this grant will help us understand how NADPH oxidase controls inflammation. Knowledge gained about how the body regulates inflammation may help us understand disorders of inflammation and develop better treatments,” added Dr. Segal.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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