The Humoral Immunology Laboratory (LIH) conducts research on the humoral immunological factors in autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue, which includes the characterization of the panel of circulating antibodies relevant to the diagnostic support and monitoring of the clinical activity of rheumatological diseases, the exploration of their potential clinical association, as well as the definition of serum complement and cytokine levels.
Currently, the main function of the LIH is to contribute to research, since most of the diagnostic routine was transferred to the Central Laboratory Division (DLC) of the HCFMUSP when the Autoimmunity Diagnostics Laboratory (LDA) was created (partnership between the DLC and the LIM17).
This partnership between the LIH and the DLC also focuses on teaching and research. The teaching includes theoretical and practical classes on detection methods and the clinical applicability of autoantibodies given by Dr. Sandra Gofinet Pasoto to undergraduate medical students at FMUSP, Clinical Pathology and Rheumatology residents and recent graduates in Biomedicine at DLC. In addition, teaching material consisting of several chapters from A Treatise on Clinical Pathology, edited by Prof. Alberto Duarte is being prepared.
Scientific Initiation students Paola Giulia Conde, Raony Ferreira França and Tamires Feliciano Floriano, and technical training student Nicole Andressa Gomes Fontoura are joining the team at the LIH.