Immunology

Biography

Rina Aharoni completed her doctorate in immunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in 1990 on immunomodulation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its animal model Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) as well as on the mechanisms of action of Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate) in these diseases. During her Postdoc in Stanford University (1991-1994), she was the first to show that Copaxone treatment can be applied for additional immunopathological disorders, initially for Graft Versus Host Disease and later for graft rejection. When she returned to the Weizmann Institute (1995 ), her main research involves development of immunomodulatory and neuroprotective approaches and their in situ effect in the Central Nervous System, in particular, the potential for neurogenesis and remyelination. In parallel she continues to study new applications for Copaxone and recently showed its therapeutic potential for the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Research Interest

Immunomodulation, Neuroprotection, Repair processes in the Central Nervous System, Neurogenesis, Remyelination, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate, GA), Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD).