Shedding Light on The Invisible

In the pursuit of unravelling the mysteries of autoimmune diseases, Tel Aviv University's Colton Center for Autoimmune Diseases recently published a call for proposals. A total of 36 multidisciplinary teams submitted their proposals, out of which six teams were awarded the Colton Center's $200K funding each. These talented teams have set out to revolutionize our understanding of various aspects of autoimmunity.  

The Winning Teams

The six winning teams, comprised of researchers from different institutions, are as follows:

1. Prof. Arnon Karni, TLVMC; Prof. Malka Gorfine, TAU; Dr. Hadar Kolb, TLVMC; Dr. Keren Regev, TLVMC and Dr. Maya Golan, TLVMC
2. Prof. Noam Ben Eliezer, TAU; Dr. Els Fieremans, NYU; Dr. Shay Menascu, Sheba; Dr. Diana Guber, Sheba, and Dr. Chen Hoffman and Dr. Shai Shrot, Sheba
3. Prof. Vered Padler Karavani, TAU; Dr. David M. Steinberg, TAU and Dr. Evsey Kosman, TAU
4. Dr. Elhanan Borenstein, TAU and Dr. Yael Haberman, Sheba
5. Prof. Eli Sprecher, TLVMC; Dr. Tzachi Hagai, TAU; Prof. Noam Shomron, TAU and Nachum Dershowitz, TAU 
6. Dr. Eric Shifrut, TAU/TLVMC; Dr. Asaf Madi, TAU and Prof. Ido Wolf, TLV MC

Prof. Noam Ben Eliezer presents his team's research 

Multi-Parameter Prognostic Prediction Model for Multiple Sclerosis

Arnon Karni's and Noam Ben Eliezer's teams are both developing an innovative multi-parameter prognostic prediction model. Their common aim is to accurately predict disability ranks and progression in patients with multiple sclerosis during the early stages of the disease. By combining their efforts, these teams - one representing Tel Aviv University and Sheba and the other representing Tel Aviv University and Ichilov - strive to shed light on the hidden complexities of the disease. They are pushing the boundaries of medical research and utilizing novel MRI tools to investigate pathology in normal appearing tissues,.

Exploring Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

In addition to multiple sclerosis, two of the winning teams are focusing their research on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prof. Vered Padler Karavani's team is delving into the role of glycosylation of biological drugs and its impact on resistance and response to the drug. Meanwhile, Dr. Borenstein-Haberman's team is developing a data-driven framework for predicting and managing flares of the disease. 

Uncovering the Epidermis as a Therapeutic Target in Pemphigus Vulgaris

Prof. Eli Sprecher's team is dedicated to uncovering the epidermis as a novel therapeutic target in pemphigus vulgaris, a rare autoimmune blistering disorder. Their research aims to pave the way for new treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes.

Prof. Eli Sprecher presents his team's proposal

Understanding Immunotherapy-Related Adverse Effects

Dr. Eric Shifrut, Dr. Asaf Madi and Prof. Ido Wolf's team is working on understanding immunotherapy-related adverse effects. They are utilizing these effects as models for studying fragile tolerance in humans. By gaining insights into the mechanisms behind adverse effects, they hope to enhance the safety and effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. 

Poised to Make Significant Contributions

The research conducted by these six talented teams funded by the Colton Center for Autoimmune Diseases has the potential to make significant contributions to the understanding and management of autoimmune diseases. Their multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge methodologies offer hope for improved diagnostics, treatment options, and patient care in the future. 

From left to right: Mr. Stewart Colton, Colton Center for Autoimmunity donor and TAU Governor; Shlomo Nimrodi, Colton Family Representative and Dr. Gali Lerman, Chief Scientific Officer at the TAU Colton Center