Kramer Lab

Jill Kramer, DDS, PhD, directs an NIH-funded research program focused on autoimmune diseases with oral manifestations. Her research focuses on chronic inflammation that occurs in the context of Sjögren’s disease (SjD). SjD is a systemic autoimmune disease that often results in loss of saliva and tear production. Extra-glandular manifestations are also well-documented, as the kidneys, lungs, and nervous system are affected. Her group has identified several key pathways that mediate sex-biased, organ-specific SjD manifestations.

Dr. Kramer has served as president of the International Association for Dental Research Salivary Research Group, and she is an alumna of the American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

The Kramer Lab is interested in understanding how MyD88-mediated signaling contributes to inflammation in SjD. MyD88 is a signaling molecule that is employed by Toll-like Receptor (TLR) and IL-1 Receptor family members, and activation of these pathways is critical for immune responses. Currently, there are no curative therapies available for SjD. We are interested in studying these pathways to identify novel therapeutic targets that will improve the management of patients with this debilitating disease. 

• Sheta Biswas, MS, PhD candidate
• Eileen M. Kasperek, BS, research technician
• Sana Qureshi, BDS, MS candidate

Our lab is interested in understanding how TLRs and IL-1-related cytokines, such as IL-36 family members, mediate SjD. Current/ongoing work in the lab focuses on:

1. Role of IL-36 family cytokines in Sjögren's disease. We use patient samples and mouse models to examine how IL-36 cytokines contribute to disease.
2. Sex-biased and tissue-specific contribution of endosomal TLRs to Sjögren's disease. Studies in the lab are ongoing to understand the way in which 2 different endosomal TLRs, termed TLR7 and TLR9, drive disease. We are studying the role of these TLRs in male and female mice that develop Sjogren's disease.
3. Crosstalk between IL-1 family members and TLRs. We are interested in determining how interactions between these signaling pathways drive disease. We use patient samples and mouse models for this work.

Location: 520 Biomedical Research Building, Buffalo, NY 14214
Laboratory Phone Number: 716-829-2551