PANDAS and Autoimmunity
Dr. Cunningham's presentation will address the growing body of evidence that
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with
Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) involve autoimmune mechanisms that affect
the brain and result in behavioral manifestations. Behavioral
manifestations, in general, have been seen in children with and without the
diagnostic label of autism.
Madeleine Cunningham, PhD, PhD
Dr. Cunningham is currently George Lynn Cross Research Professor and Presbyterian Health Fdn Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Research in Dr. Cunningham's laboratory investigates autoimmunity and infection in behavioral and movement disorders. Translational research in her lab studies human monoclonal antibodies to provide clues about about the pathogenesis of human disease. Her research has been funded by the National Inst of Health for 25 years.
