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Dr. Targoff:

Dr. Targoff's CV in brief

Publications

Arthritis and Immunology Research Program

Ira N. Targoff, M.D. Assistant Member, Arthritis and Immunology Research Program Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences   Center Staff Physician, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma   City

Research Interests
My laboratory focuses on the study of the autoantibodies associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, autoimmune diseases that lead to muscle inflammation (myositis). Several specific autoantibodies have been identified in the serum of patients with myositis. Each individual autoantibody is found only in a small proportion of patients, but evidence of autoantibodies can be found by screening tests in over 80 percent. Some of the autoantibodies occur almost exclusively in patients with myositis, although others often occur in patients with other autoimmune conditions. Many of the autoantibodies are associated with particular clinical subgroups.

Much of our work has involved the characterization of these myositis-related autoantibodies, and the study of the antigens involved. We have used a wide variety of techniques to identify the autoantibodies. Immunoprecipitation has been particularly useful and remains the most sensitive and specific test for detection of several of them. We also use modified immunoprecipitation-blotting techniques for specific identification and confirmation. For biochemical analysis of the antigens, we have used molecular cloning and sequencing and microsequencing of purified antigen proteins. We have analyzed specific epitopes using expressed recombinant fragments and epitope-scanning techniques. In collaboration with several other groups, we have studied the clinical features associated with the autoantibodies.

These autoantibodies are valuable clinical tools for diagnosis and classification, and in order to take full advantage of this, it is important to be able to recognize all of the significant antibodies, to have optimal methods for their detection and to have a full knowledge of their clinical implications. We are working toward achieving this goal. We are characterizing recently discovered autoantibodies and studying their clinical associations, one of which, seen in certain forms of dermatomyositis, was described by our laboratory. Epitope reactivity of some of the antibodies is unknown and may have important implications for their significance. In addition, we are particularly interested in the reason these autoantibodies develop and their role in the pathogenesis of these conditions.

Joined OMRF Scientific Staff in 1981.

Mailing Address
Arthritis and Immunology Research Program, MS 38
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
825 N.E. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104

Contact Information
Phone: (405) 271-7395
Fax: (405) 271-4119
E-mail: Ira-Targoff@omrf.org