Mark Crew, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Geriatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Crew’s research interest is the structure-function and evolution of Major Histo-compatibility Complex genes with a primary focus on xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs from one species to another. While pigs are considered the best match for human organ and tissue resplacement, transplanted pig organs and tissues (xenografts) are rejected by both cellular (T cell- and NK cell-mediated) and humoral (antibody-mediated) immune mechanisms. The rejection of xenografts by antibodies appears surmountable by genetically engineering pigs either to express human complement components or to eliminate enzymes that create the epitopes which human antibodies recognize. Dr. Crew’s laboratory is concentrating on abrogating cell-mediated xenograft destruction.
Crew, M.D., and Bates, L.M. Sequence, expression, and polymorphism of the Peromyscus leucopus Mhc class lb gene M4. Immunogenetics 55:95-99, 2003.
Crew, M.D., Phanavanh, B., and Garcia-Borges, C.N. Sequence and mRNA expression of nonclassical SLA class I genes SLA-7 and SLA-8. Immunogenetics 56:111-114, 2004.
Crew, M.D., Cannon J.J., Phanavanh, B., and Garcia-Borges, C.N. An HLA-E single chain trimer inhibits human NK cell reactivity towards porcine cells. submitted.
Garcia-Borges, C.N., Phanavanh, B., Sarasweto, S. Dennis, R.A. and Crew, M.D. Molecular cloning and characterization of a porcine UL16 binding proten (ULBP)-like cDNA, submitted.
