FSR feels strongly that the causes of this disease, and ultimately a cure, will be uncovered through rigorous and extensive scientific research. FSR research awards focus on collaborations which will advance an improved understanding of sarcoidosis and will address the causes of the disease, the suffering of patients and the potential for a cure for sarcoidosis.  Learn more about FSR's Research Grant Application Process or Donate to support important new research.

Meet Other Researchers Funded by FSR.

Kyra Oswald Richter, PhD
Recipient of 2010-2011 FSR-ATS Partnership Grant for Sarcoidosis

Dr. Richter is research instructor in Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt University. She has extensive research experience in the area of granulomatous inflammation and received a two year $100,000 award (fully funded by FSR) for her work to define the mechanisms that regulate disease progression in sarcoidosis.  She is mentored by Dr. Wonder Drake and received letters of support for this research project from both the Cleveland Clinic and MUSC.

Dr. Richter hypothesizes that inadequate adaptive immune response contributes to sarcoidosis disease pathogenesis.

Summary: "The Role of Differential Cytokine Production in Sarcoidosis Disease Pathogenesis"
Striking disparities exist in sarcoidosis clinical outcome. Increased frequencies of CD4+ T cells in sarcoidosis bronchoalveolar lavage suggest that the strength of the immune response contributes to disease outcome. We propose to investigate the contribution of T cell biologic function to these observed disparities. We will identify mechanisms by which CD4+ T cells regulate disease outcome. We will perform functional analysis of CD4+ T cells to determine if loss or gain of function correlates with disease outcome. Moreover, analysis of sarcoidosis subjects with good and poor prognoses will reveal cytokine patterns and T cell subset distribution to better prognosticate disease and potentially identify therapeutic targets.  Learn More About Dr. Richter.

Research Aim: To delineate the role of IL-2 and IFN-g signaling in sarcoidosis pathogenesis and influence on resolution/progression. And, investigate if differential expression and functional capacity of regulatory T cells contributes to disease outcome.