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Summary
Anthony Cruz earned his B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Cornell University. He continued his research with Dr. James Casey at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, looking at feline immunodeficiency virus pathogenesis. Subsequently, Anthony worked with Dr. George Caughey in the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) at the University of California, San Francisco, and the San Francisco VA Hospital. There, he investigated the role of mast cell serine and metalloproteinases in the etiology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiolitis obliterans.
At NIAMS, Anthony worked under Dr. Richard Siegel to decipher the role of TNF Superfamily members in autoimmune disease. He studied the role of aberrant Fas-induced death signaling in Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) and the novel costimulatory function of non-death Fas signaling, termed precocious differentiation.
Since 2018, Anthony has worked with Dr. Michael Ombrello, studying mechanisms of TNF Superfamily signaling in the development of Still’s Disease in young children (systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sJIA).
Research Statement
Mr. Cruz is interested in how various forms of cell death contribute to the pathophysiology of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Cell death has been a longstanding interest, starting in his undergraduate research looking at apoptosis in the viral pathogenesis of exotic strains of FIV.
For many years, he worked on the TNF Superfamily in various capacities, looking at the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that allow professional death receptors to take on alternative roles and how this contributes to immune cell homeostasis.
His current work involves investigating the potential role of TNF Superfamily members in the etiology of Still’s Disease.
Scientific Publications
Education
Cornell University
B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology (2000)
Experience
Research Scientist
University of California, San Francisco (2000-2006)
Research Biologist
NIH, NIAMS (2006-2016)
Senior Research Biologist
NIH, NIAMS (2016-present)