From Carrie-Anne to Dr. Malinczak

By Lidija Fremeau | November 12 2019

Carrie-Anne Malinczak, PhD successfully defended her thesis entitled “Long-Term Immune System Alterations Following Early-Life RSV Infection” on October 21, 2019. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a ubiquitous human pathogen, infects nearly all children by age two. Severe RSV bronchiolitis in infancy is strongly correlated with the development of recurrent wheezing later in childhood.

Dr. Malinczak explained, “Our research correlates with the clinical data showing Dr. Carrie-Anne Malinczakthat males are more susceptible to both severe RSV disease as well as enhanced allergic responses later in life. Importantly, we have identified TSLP as a potential clinical target, especially in boys hospitalized for severe RSV, which may limit the development of childhood asthma, the most chronic childhood illness.”

Dr. Malinczak will be working as a Postdoctoral Fellow right here at the University of Michigan. She is continuing her work in the Lukacs lab. Congratulations, Carrie-Anne!