Immunology Graduate Group

Malek Kamoun, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center

Office Phone:  (215) 662-4022
Email:  malekkam@mail.med.upenn.edu

Education:
B.S., Universite' de Strasbourg, France
M.D., Universite' de Pierre et Marie Curie, France
Ph.D., Immunogenetics, Universite' de Pierre et Marie Curie, France
Post Doctoral Fellow, Hospital Saint-Louis, Paris

Research Interests

Regulatory pathways of T-cell activation, HLA genes and molecules.

Schematic diagram of the three- dimensional structure of the catalytic subunit of protein serine/threonine phosphatase-1 (PP-1) displayed using the programs MOLSCRIPT and RASTER 30 (Goldberg J. et al, Nature 376: 745-753, 1995). The crystal structure of mammalian PP-1 reveals a metalloenzyme unrelated in architecture to the tyrosine phos- phatases. Two metal ions are positioned by a central scaffold at the active site, from which emanate three surface grooves that are a potential binding for substrates and inhibitors. The carboy terminus is positioned at the end of the groove such that regulatory sequences following the domain might modulate function. The fold of the catalytic domain is expected to be closely preserved in PP2A/PP2B.

Research Summary

Dr. Kamoun's research interest are in the regulation of lymphocyte growth. Molecular, genetic and immunological techniques are used to study the role of a novel Ser/Thr Phosphoprotein Phosphatase (RAPP-36) in the regulation of lymphocyte growth.

A second focus of the laboratory is to define the extent and nature of HLA genetic diversity and to understand the biological relevance of MHC variation. High resolution DNA-based technology is being developed and used as an important step for an accurate determination of HLA alleles of marrow/stem cell unrelated donor and recipient.

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