SUMMARY
The research of Ulrich Specks, M.D., focuses on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, a group of autoantibody-mediated autoimmune conditions. These conditions include granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Dr. Specks' research ranges from laboratory-based studies on mechanisms of disease to clinical trials.
He has strong collaborative relationships with clinicians and investigators in nephrology, rheumatology, otolaryngology and nuclear medicine at Mayo Clinic and other national and international institutions.
Focus areas
- Mechanisms of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Dr. Specks investigates the effects of ANCA on proteins and cells that cause inflammation.
- Lymphocytes in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Dr. Specks characterizes lymphocytes in ANCA-associated vasculitis to better understand the causes of ANCA formation and options to prevent it.
- Treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Dr. Specks' work focuses on clinical trials and translational studies to find more-effective and safer treatment options for patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Significance to patient care
ANCA-associated vasculitis is a condition in which the blood vessels become swollen or inflamed. Currently, treatment relies on lowering the function of the immune system. This helps reduce the inflammation but also can cause infections and does not lead to a long-term cure.
Typically, a healthy immune system can tell "foreign" from "self" and only makes antibodies that protect against foreign infections. It doesn't make autoantibodies that react to typical human proteins such as ANCAs because this causes disease. ANCAs can only be made by cells called B lymphocytes when there are changes in the immune system.
Dr. Specks works with other Mayo Clinic scientists to find a cure for ANCA-associated vasculitis by targeting and getting rid of only the ANCA-producing B lymphocytes. He also is working to find and correct conditions in the immune system that allow ANCA-producing B lymphocytes to survive or come back.
Professional highlights
- The Connor Group Professor of Thoracic Diseases in Honor of Claude Deschamps, M.D., and Eric S. Edell, M.D., Mayo Clinic, 2014.
- Chair, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2013-2020.
- Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program, Mayo Clinic, 2003-2009.