The Johns Hopkins Immunogenetics Laboratory

The Immunogenetics Laboratory in the Department of Pathology of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of the premier Histocompatibility, Transplantation, and Immunology laboratories in the Nation. The laboratory was founded in 1964 by Dr. Wilma Bias and continued to grow under the leadership of Dr. M. Sue Leffell, Dr. Andrea A. Zachary and Dr. Annette M. Jackson. Under the leadership of Dr. Maria P. Bettinotti, the laboratory provides cutting edge clinical testing for solid organ and stem cell transplantation, pharmacogenetics and autoimmune disease diagnosis. Our research contributes to a greater understanding of the allogeneic response following transplantation and the role of immunogenetics in autoimmune diseases. We have published on the immunogenicity of different HLA antigens, identified minor histocompatibility systems, conducted numerous studies in population genetics, and supported studies in vaccine development. We have developed strategies and tools to facilitate and expand transplant options via kidney paired donation and haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition to making significant contributions in the science and technology of histocompatibility and immunogenetics, members of the laboratory have had leadership roles in national and international organizations and have worked extensively with government agencies on regulatory matters.

Credentials

Laboratory Licenses, Certification and Accreditation:

  • New York State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Permit PFI: 9300
  • Licensed by the State of Maryland (laboratory number 311)
  • Certified, under CLIA, by the Health Care Financing Administration (certificate number 21D0689286)
  • Approved by the Health Care Financing Administration as a freestanding histocompatibility laboratory (Medicare provider number 21HL01)
  • Approved for membership as an independent laboratory by the United Network for Organ Sharing (approved in 1986, certificate issued in 1988)
  • Accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
  • Approved by the National Marrow Donor Program as a transplantation center laboratory
  • Certified by Johns Hopkins University as a medical laboratory