Positions

Overview

  • J. Edwin Blalock, Ph.D., joined the Department of Medicine as a Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and became the Scientific Director of the Lung Health Center in 2009. Dr. Blalock is a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Florida where he received both a B.S. and Ph.D. degree. He was previously a Professor in the UAB Department of Physiology and Biophysics, having been recruited to UAB in 1986 from the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he was a Professor of Microbiology. Dr. Blalock is internationally recognized for his research in neuroimmunology, rational drug design, as well as the role of inflammation in chronic lung diseases. He has published over 350 journal articles and book chapters and enjoyed uninterrupted funding for the past 38 years. Dr. Blalock has served on two NIH study sections, as well as study sections for the American Heart Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

    • Selected Publications

    Academic Article

    Year Title Altmetric
    2019 Benzyloxycarbonyl-proline-prolinal (ZPP): Dual complementary roles for neutrophil inhibition 2019
    2019 Vaporized E-Cigarette Liquids Induce Ion Transport Dysfunction in Airway Epithelia 2019
    2019 Proline-Glycine-Proline Peptides Are Critical in the Development of Smoke-Induced Emphysema. 2019
    2019 Activated PMN Exosomes: Pathogenic Entities Causing Matrix Destruction and Disease in the Lung 2019
    2019 Abnormal pro-gly-pro pathway and airway neutrophilia in pediatric cystic fibrosis 2019
    2019 Response to Comment on "An extracellular matrix fragment drives epithelial remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness" 2019
    2018 Macrophage Rac2 is required to reduce the severity of cigarette smoke-induced pneumonia 2018
    2018 Early airway microbial metagenomic and metabolomic signatures are associated with development of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia 2018
    2018 The neutrophil chemoattractant peptide proline-glycine-proline is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome 2018
    2018 The neutrophil chemoattractant peptide proline-glycine-proline is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome. 2018
    2018 An extracellular matrix fragment drives epithelial remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness 2018
    2018 Exosomal microRNA predicts and protects against severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely premature infants 2018
    2017 The Matrikine Acetylated Proline-Glycine-Proline Couples Vascular Inflammation and Acute Cardiac Rejection 2017
    2017 Angiotensin-converting enzyme defines matrikine-regulated inflammation and fibrosis 2017
    2017 Doxycycline improves clinical outcomes during cystic fibrosis exacerbations 2017
    2017 The development of novel LTA4 H modulators to selectively target LTB4 generation 2017
    2016 Tristetraprolin down-regulation contributes to persistent TNF-alpha expression induced by cigarette smoke extract through a post- transcriptional mechanism 2016
    2016 A ferret model of COPD-related chronic bronchitis 2016
    2016 Disease phenotyping in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The neutrophilic endotype 2016
    2016 Toll-like receptor 4 engagement mediates prolyl endopeptidase release from airway epithelia via exosomes 2016
    2016 Genetic regulation of expression of leukotriene A4 hydrolase 2016
    2015 The soot of all evil 2015
    2015 Addendum: Kong, M.Y.; Whitley, R.J.; Peng, N.; Oster, R.; Schoeb, T.R.; Sullender, W.; Ambalavanan, N.; Clancy, J.P.; Gaggar, A.; Blalock J.E. Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Mediates RSV Infection in Vitro and in Vivo. Viruses 2015, 30, 7, 4230–4253. 2015
    2015 Matrikines are key regulators in modulating the amplitude of lung inflammation in acute pulmonary infection 2015
    2015 Matrix metalloproteinase-9 mediates RSV infection in vitro and in vivo 2015
    2015 A Potential Role for Acrolein in Neutrophil-Mediated Chronic Inflammation 2015
    2015 The matrikine PGP as a potential biomarker in COPD 2015
    2015 MMP generated matrikines 2015
    2015 The matrikine N-α-PGP couples extracellular matrix fragmentation to endothelial permeability 2015
    2015 A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of roflumilast effect on proline-glycine-proline and neutrophilic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2015
    2014 Innate immune cell-produced IL-17 sustains inflammation in bullous pemphigoid 2014
    2014 MMP generated matrikines 2014
    2014 An aberrant leukotriene A4 hydrolase-proline-glycine-proline pathway in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2014
    2014 Targeting prolyl endopeptidase with valproic acid as a potential modulator of neutrophilic inflammation 2014
    2014 Pulmonary matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in mechanically ventilated children with respiratory syncytial virus 2014
    2014 Collagen degradation and neutrophilic infiltration: A vicious circle in inflammatory bowel disease 2014
    2013 Cigarette smoke induces systemic defects in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function 2013
    2013 Cigarette smoke induces systemic defects in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function. 2013
    2013 Sputum PGP is reduced by azithromycin treatment in patients with COPD and correlates with exacerbations 2013
    2013 Cigarette Smoke-Induced Collagen Destruction; Key to Chronic Neutrophilic Airway Inflammation? 2013
    2012 Proline-glycine-proline as a potential biomarker in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis 2012
    2012 Cigarette smoke enhances chemotaxis via acetylation of proline-glycine- proline 2012
    2012 Molecular recognition theory and sense-antisense interaction: Therapeutic applications in autoimmunity 2012
    2011 Stress-sensitization and cytokines 2011
    2011 A CXCL8 receptor antagonist based on the structure of N-acetyl-proline- glycine-proline 2011
    2011 A self-propagating matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) dependent cycle of chronic neutrophilic inflammation 2011
    2011 Cigarette smoke-induced lung emphysema in mice is associated with prolyl endopeptidase, an enzyme involved in collagen breakdown 2011
    2011 CD14 signaling reciprocally controls collagen deposition and turnover to regulate the development of lyme arthritis 2011
    2010 A critical role for LTA4H in limiting chronic pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation 2010
    2010 Human neutrophil elastase-mediated cleavage sites of MMP-9 and TIMP-1: Implications to cystic fibrosis proteolytic dysfunction 2010
    2010 Proline-Glycine-Proline (PGP) and high mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB1): Potential mediators of cystic fibrosis airway inflammation 2010
    2009 Neutrophils contain prolyl endopeptidase and generate the chemotactic peptide, PGP, from collagen 2009
    2009 Investigating bacterial sources of toxicity as an environmental contributor to dopaminergic neurodegeneration 2009
    2009 N-α-PGP and PGP, potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COPD 2009
    2009 The presence of a matrix-derived neutrophil chemoattractant in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation 2009
    2008 Potential role of high-mobility group box 1 in cystic fibrosis airway disease 2008
    2008 Induction of lung emphysema is prevented by L-arginine-threonine-arginine 2008
    2008 Interfering with extracellular matrix degradation to blunt inflammation 2008
    2008 A novel proteolytic cascade generates an extracellular matrix-derived chemoattractant in Chronic neutrophilic inflammation 2008
    2008 Matrix metalloproteinase-8 facilitates neutrophil migration through the corneal stromal matrix by collagen degradation and production of the chemotactic peptide pro-gly-pro 2008
    2007 Matrix metalloprotease-9 dysregulation in lower airway secretions of cystic fibrosis patients 2007
    2007 Estrogen modulates TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in rat aortic smooth muscle cells through estrogen receptor-β activation 2007
    2007 Possible therapeutic vaccines for canine myasthenia gravis: Implications for the human disease and associated fatigue 2007
    2007 Matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity enhances host susceptibility to pulmonary infection with type A and B strains of Francisella tularensis 2007
    2007 Conceptual development of the immune system as a sixth sense 2007
    2006 Weathington et al. reply [2] 2006
    2006 A novel peptide CXCR ligand derived from extracellular matrix degradation during airway inflammation 2006
    2005 A store-operated nonselective cation channel in human lymphocytes 2005
    2005 The immune system as the sixth sense 2005
    2004 Specific modulation of calmodulin activity induces a dramatic production of superoxide by alveolar macrophages 2004
    2004 Estrogen modulates inflammatory mediator expression and neutrophil chemotaxis in injured arteries 2004
    2004 Calcium sensors as new therapeutic targets for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2004
    2004 Ca2+ Modulation of Ca2+ Release-Activated Ca 2+ Channels Is Responsible for the Inactivation of Its Monovalent Cation Current 2004
    2003 The requirement of ammonium or other cations linked with p-cresol sulfate for cross-reactivity with a peptide of myelin basic protein 2003
    2003 Ca2+ sensors modulate asthmatic symptoms in an allergic model for asthma. 2003
    2003 Ca2+ sensors modulate asthmatic symptoms in an allergic model for asthma 2003
    2003 Rational design of peptide vaccines for autoimmune disease: Harnessing molecular recognition to fix a broken network 2003
    2003 Regulation of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channels by INAD and Ca2+ influx factor 2003
    2002 Harnessing a neural-immune circuit to control inflammation and shock 2002
    2002 Growth hormone and the immune system during health and disease 2002
    2001 Inhibitory effect of a complementary peptide on ulceration in the alkali-injured rabbit cornea 2001
    2001 Changes in rat adipocyte and liver glucose metabolism following repeated restraint stress 2001
    2001 A store-operated nonselective cation channel in lymphocytes is activated directly by CA2+ influx factor and diacylglycerol 2001
    2001 The role of adjuvants in the efficacy of a peptide vaccine for myasthenia gravis. 2001
    2001 Prevention and reversal of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by a monoclonal antibody against acetylcholine receptor-specific T cells 2001
    2001 Prevention and reversal of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by a monoclonal antibody against acetylcholine receptor-specific T cells. 2001
    2001 An IgM anti-MBP Ab in a case of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia with polyneuropathy expressing an idiotype reactive with an MBP epitope immunodominant in MS and EAE 2001
    2001 Attenuation of very late antigen-5-mediated adhesion of bone marrow-derived mast cells to fibronectin by peptides with inverted hydropathy to EF-hands 2001
    2001 Calcium sensors as new therapeutic targets for airway hyperresponsiveness and asthma. 2001
    2000 Cellular uptake and in situ binding of a peptide agonist for calmodulin 2000
    2000 A new type of Ca2+ channel blocker that targets Ca2+ sensors and prevents Ca2+-mediated apoptosis 2000
    2000 A new type of Ca(2+) channel blocker that targets Ca(2+) sensors and prevents Ca(2+)-mediated apoptosis. 2000
    2000 Synthetic complementary peptides inhibit a neutrophil chemoattractant found in the alkali-injured cornea 2000
    2000 De novo design of peptides targeted to the EF hands of calmodulin 2000
    2000 A peptide vaccine that prevents experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by specifically blocking T cell help 2000
    2000 Characterization of the promoter-directing expression of growth hormone in a monocyte cell line 2000
    1999 Highly related immunoglobulin light chain sequences in different multiple sclerosis patients 1999
    1999 CFTR chloride channel regulation by an interdomain interaction 1999
    1999 An analysis of the binding of repressor protein ModE to modABCD (molybdate transport) operator/promoter DNA of Escherichia coli 1999
    1999 On the evolution of ligands: Did peptides functionally precede metals and small organic molecules? 1999
    1999 Calcium influx factor is synthesized by yeast and mammalian cells depleted of organellar calcium stores 1999
    1999 Proopiomelanocortin and the immune-neuroendocrine connection 1999
    1998 Molecular mimicry of carcinoembryonic antigen by peptides derived from the structure of an anti-idiotype antibody 1998
    1998 Molecular cloning, sequence analysis, expression, and tissue distribution of suppressin, a novel suppressor of cell cycle entry 1998
    1998 A cross-reactive anti-myelin basic protein idiotope in cerebrospinal fluid cells in multiple sclerosis 1998
    1998 Beta-endorphin in immune cells. 1998
    1998 Current concepts in the pathophysiology of abnormal pain perception in fibromyalgia 1998
    1997 Production of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters by the immune system 1997
    1997 Pro-opiomelanocortin gene expression and protein processing in rat mononuclear leukocytes 1997
    1997 Natural painkillers [1] 1997
    1996 Monoclonal antibody (MAB) to a complementary peptide for torpedo acetylcholjne receptor (ACHR) residues 100-116 recognizes t-cell receptors (TCR) SPECIFIC to achr 100-116 in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) 1996
    1996 Prevention of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by a monoclonal antibody to a complementary peptide for the main immunogenic region of the acetylcholine receptor 1996
    1996 Murine Vλx and Vλx-containing antibodies bind human myelin basic protein 1996
    1996 Preferential association of Vλx light chains with γ2a heavy chains in naturally occurring human myelin basic protein reactive antibodies 1996
    1995 The kinetics of ACTH expression in rat leukocyte subpopulations 1995
    1995 Associations between the neuroendocrine and immune systems 1995
    1995 Cloning and sequencing immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor variable regions involved in neuroimmune disorders 1995
    1995 Genetic origins of protein shape and interaction rules 1995
    1995 Reply to “…but not to protein folding?” 1995
    1995 The molecular recognition theory applied to bispecific antibodies...but not to protein folding? [1] 1995
    1994 Protein configurations [6] 1994
    1994 Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates a transient calcium uptake in rat lymphocytes. 1994
    1994 The syntax of immune-neuroendocrine communication 1994
    1994 Editorial 1994
    1994 Identification of Interactive Determinants on Idiotypic-Anti-idiotypic Antibodies through Comparison of Their Hydropathic Profiles 1994
    1994 Peptide Design Using a Genetically Patterned Binary Code: Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone as a Model 1994
    1994 Use of Complementary Peptides and Their Antibodies in B-Cell-Mediated Autoimmune Disease: Prevention of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis with a Peptide Vaccine 1994
    1994 A cross-reactive idiotope on T cells from PL/J mice and Lewis rats that recognizes different myelin basic protein encephalitogenic epitopes but is restricted by TCR Vβ8.2 1994
    1994 A V lambda x-bearing monoclonal antibody with similar specificity and sequence to encephalitogenic T cell receptors. 1994
    1994 A Vλx-bearing monoclonal antibody with similar specificity and sequence to encephalitogenic T cell receptors 1994
    1994 Editorial 1994
    1994 PCR-Based Cloning, Sequencing, and Exon Mapping of Lymphocyte-Derived Neuroendocrine Peptides 1994
    1994 Characterization and localization of mosquito-gut receptors for trypsin modulating oostatic factor using a complementary peptide and immunocytochemistry 1994
    1994 Induction of pituitary sensitivity to interleukin-1: A new function for corticotropin-releasing hormone 1994
    1994 Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates a transient calcium uptake in rat lymphocytes 1994
    1994 Effect of the administration of growth-hormone-producing lymphocytes on weight gain and immune function in dwarf mice 1994
    1994 Erratum: Prevention of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by manipulation of the immune network with a complementary peptide for the acetylcholine receptor (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (September 15, 1993) 90:18 (8747-8751)) 1994
    1994 Pituitary control of immune cells [1] 1994
    1994 Protein configurations [4] 1994
    1994 Shared ligands and receptors as a molecular mechanism for communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1994
    1994 The syntax of immune-neuroendocrine communication 1994
    1993 Identification of suppressin-producing cells in the rat pituitary. 1993
    1993 Solution structure of trypsin modulating oostatic factor is a left-handed helix 1993
    1993 Identification of suppressin-producing cells in the rat pituitary 1993
    1993 Mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes release biologically active corticotropin 1993
    1993 Prevention of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by manipulation of the immune network with a complementary peptide for the acetylcholine receptor 1993
    1993 The structure of a myelin basic protein-associated idiotope 1993
    1992 Thymocytes express a mRNA that is identical to hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone mRNA 1992
    1992 Opioid Modulation of Immunoglobulin Production by Lymphocytes Isolated from Peyer's Patches and Spleen 1992
    1992 Phentolamine but not propranolol blocks the immunopotentiating effect of cold stress on antigen-specific IgM production in mice orally immunized with sheep red blood cells 1992
    1992 Phosphatidylserine Suppresses Antigen-Specific IgM Production by Mice Orally Administered Sheep Red Blood Cells 1992
    1992 Production of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters by the immune system 1992
    1992 The production of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I by the same subpopulation of rat mononuclear leukocytes 1992
    1991 Cloning and direct sequencing from lambda cDNA libraries using the polymerase chain reaction: suppressin and the vasopressin receptor as models. 1991
    1991 Cloning and direct sequencing from λ cDNA libraries using the polymerase chain reaction: suppressin and the vasopressin receptor as models 1991
    1991 A peptide mimetic of calcium 1991
    1991 An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to growth hormone messenger ribonucleic acid inhibits lymphocyte proliferation 1991
    1991 Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to the cystic fibrosis gene inhibits anion transport in normal cultured sweat duct cells 1991
    1991 Characterization of immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-i from leukocytes and its regulation by growth hormone 1991
    1991 Corticotropin-releasing factor upregulates expression of two truncated pro-opiomelanocortin transcripts in murine lymphocytes 1991
    1991 Detection of Growth Hormone and Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Related Messenger RNA in Rat Leukocytes by the Polymerase Chain Reaction 1991
    1991 Enantioselective kappa opioid binding sites on the macrophage cell line, P388d1 1991
    1991 Expression of immunoreactive growth hormone in leukocytes in vivo 1991
    1991 Functional assessment and partial characterization of [3H](+)-pentazocine binding sites on cells of the immune system 1991
    1991 Growth hormone releasing hormone receptors on thymocytes and splenocytes from rats 1991
    1991 Naloxone administration in vivo stereoselectively alters antigen-dependent and antigen-independent immune responses 1991
    1991 Purification and Characterization of Immunoregulatory Peptides from Neuroendocrine Tissues: Suppressin as a Model 1991
    1991 Role of leukocyte-derived pro-opiomelanocortin peptides in endotoxic shock 1991
    1991 The production of growth hormone by subpopulations of rat mononuclear leukocytes 1991
    1990 Steroidogenic activity of a peptide specified by the reversed sequence of corticotropin mRNA 1990
    1990 Structural and functional similarities of opiate receptors of neural and immune origin 1990
    1990 More about complementary hydropathy (I: Reply) 1990
    1990 Complementarity of peptides specified by 'sense' and 'antisense' strands of DNA. 1990
    1990 Isolation, purification, and partial characterization of suppressin, a novel inhibitor of cell proliferation 1990
    1990 An antibody directed against a peptide encoded by RNA complementary to mRNA for vasopressin recognizes putative vasopressin receptors 1990
    1990 Anti-opioid receptor antibody recognition of a binding site on brain and leukocyte opioid receptors 1990
    1990 Bidirectional Communication between the Neuroendocrine and Immune Systems Common Hormones and Hormone Receptors 1990
    1990 Biochemical and Cellular Characteristics of Suppressin. A Novel Pituitary‐derived Inhibitor of Neuroendocrine and Immune Cell Proliferation 1990
    1990 Characteristics of Lymphocyte‐derived Proopiomelanocortin‐related mRNA 1990
    1990 Complementarity of peptides specified by 'sense' and 'antisense' strands of DNA 1990
    1990 Corticotropin-releasing hormone augments natural killer cell activity through a naloxone-sensitive pathway 1990
    1990 Corticotropin‐releasing Hormone Enhances Murine Natural Killer Cell Activity through an Opioid‐Mediated Pathway 1990
    1990 Differential effect of opioids on immunoglobulin production by lymphocytes isolated from Peyer's patches and Spleen 1990
    1990 Growth Hormone Production and Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptors in the Rat Immune System 1990
    1990 Immunomodulatory characteristics of a novel antiproliferative protein, suppressin 1990
    1990 Immunoreactive growth hormone-releasing hormone in rat leukocytes 1990
    1990 Molecular mechanisms of bidirectional communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1990
    1990 Nucleotide and amino acid sequence of lymphocyte-derived corticotropin: Endotoxin induction of a truncated peptide 1990
    1990 Possible alternate splicing or initiation of the proopiomelanocortin gene in lymphocytes 1990
    1990 Reply from Blalock 1990
    1989 Neuroendocrine characteristics of the immune system 1989
    1989 Cloning and sequencing of imniunoglobulin variable-region genes using degenerate oligodeoxy-ribonucleotides and polymerase chain reaction 1989
    1989 A molecular basis for bidirectional communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1989
    1989 A molecular basis for bidirectional communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1989
    1989 A molecular basis for intersystem communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1989
    1989 Antipeptide antibodies that recognize a lymphocyte substance P receptor 1989
    1989 Complementary peptides as interactive sites for protein binding 1989
    1989 Expression of growth hormone by lymphocytes 1989
    1989 From the neuroendocrinology of lymphocytes toward a molecular basis of the network theory 1989
    1989 Hormones common to the neuroendocrine and immune systems 1989
    1989 Immune Neuroendocrine Interactions: Implications for Reproductive Physiology 1989
    1989 Interleukin-2 induction of ACTH secretion: presence of an interleukin-2 receptor α-chain-like molecule on pituitary cells 1989
    1989 Monoclonal antibody against a peptide specified by [Met]- enkephalin complementary RNA recognizes the delta-class opioid receptor 1989
    1989 Opioid receptors on cells of the immune system: Evidence for δ- and κ-classes 1989
    1989 Preparation and use of complementary peptides 1989
    1989 Production of anti‐idiotypic antibodies by immunization with a pair of complementary peptides 1989
    1989 Protection of mice from Semliki Forest virus infection by lymphocytes treated with low levels of interferon. 1989
    1989 Structural and functional relationships between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1989
    1989 Thyrotropin: An endogenous regulator of the in vitro immune response 1989
    1989 Use of peptides encoded by complementary RNA for generating anti-idiotypic antibodies of predefined specificity 1989
    1988 ACTH receptor-mediated induction of leukocyte cyclic AMP 1988
    1988 Individuals infected with HIV possess antibodies against IL-2 1988
    1988 Ligand receptor characteristics of peptides encoded by complementary nucleic acids: implications for a molecular recognition code. 1988
    1988 Evidence for a δ-class opioid receptor on cells of the immune system 1988
    1988 "Classical" neuroendocrine peptide hormones produced by cells of the immune system 1988
    1988 A molecular basis for interactions between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1988
    1988 Immunologically-mediated pituitary-adrenal activation. 1988
    1988 Inhibition of self-binding antibodies (autobodies) by a V H-derived peptide 1988
    1988 Neuroendocrine properties of the immune system. 1988
    1988 Opioid Receptors on Murine Splenocytes: Possible Coupling to K+ Channels 1988
    1988 Opioid receptors on murine splenocytes. Possible coupling to K+ channels. 1988
    1988 Production of immunoreactive growth hormone by mononuclear leukocytes 1988
    1988 Productions of neuroendocrine peptide hormones by the immune system 1988
    1988 Purification of an angiotensin II binding protein by using antibodies to a peptide encoded by angiotensin II complementary RNA 1988
    1988 The production of antibodies which recognize opiate receptors on murine leukocytes 1988
    1988 The use of complementary peptides in the purification of an angiotensin II binding protein 1988
    1987 Response: virus-induced increases in plasma corticosterone. 1987
    1987 Interleukin 1 and interleukin 2 enhance proopiomelanocortin gene expression in pituitary cells 1987
    1987 Immunoaffinity-purified opiate receptor specifically binds the δ-class opiate receptor ligand, cis-(+)-3-methylfentanylisothiocyanate, SUPERFIT 1987
    1987 An ACTH Receptor on Human Mononuclear Leukocytes 1987
    1987 Generation of idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies by immunization with peptides encoded by complementary RNA: A possible molecular basis for the network theory 1987
    1987 In vivo immunoreactive adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production by human mononuclear leukocytes from normal and ACTH-Deficient individuals 1987
    1987 Interactions between the Neuroendocrine and Immune Systems: Common Hormones and Receptors 1987
    1987 Leukocyte Production of Endorphins 1987
    1987 Novel processing pathway for proopiomelanocortin in lymphocytes: Endotoxin induction of a new prohormone‐Cleaving enzyme 1987
    1987 Presence of ACTH and its receptor on a B lymphocytic cell line: a possible autocrine function for a neuroendocrine hormone. 1987
    1987 Splenic lymphocyte production of an endorphin during endotoxic shock 1987
    1987 Virus-induced increases in plasma corticosterone [9] 1987
    1986 Corticotropin releasing factor induction of leukocyte-derived immunoreactive ACTH and endorphins 1986
    1986 The HTLV-III envelope protein contains a hexapeptide homologous to a region of interleukin-2 that binds to the interleukin-2 receptor 1986
    1986 Induction of interferon by transformed cells: Inhibition by retinoic acid 1986
    1986 An antibody to a peptide specified by an RNA that is complementary to γ-endorphin mRNA recognizes an opiate receptor 1986
    1986 Antibodies to the binding site of the receptor for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH): Generation with a synthetic decapeptide encoded by an RNA complementary to LHRH mRNA 1986
    1986 Binding of peptides that are specified by complementary RNAs 1986
    1986 Cellular requirements for thyrotropin enhancement of in vitro antibody production 1986
    1986 Interferon Inducing Transformed Cell Surface Glycoproteins: Purification by Ia Antigen Affinity Chromatography 1986
    1986 Molecular characterization of a corticotropin (ACTH) receptor 1986
    1986 Production of immunoreactive chorionic gonadotropin during mixed lymphocyte reactions: A possible selective mechanism for genetic diversity 1986
    1986 Sequence homology between acquired immunodeficiency syndrome virus envelope protein and interleukin 2 1986
    1985 Lymphocyte production of endorphins and endorphin-mediated immunoregulatory activity 1985
    1985 Opiate receptor mediated effects of IFN-alpha and lymphocyte derived endorphin-like peptides. 1985
    1985 Peptide hormones shared by the neuroendocrine and immunologic systems 1985
    1985 Lymphocyte production of endorphins and endorphin-mediated immunoregulatory activity. 1985
    1985 Peptide hormones shared by the neuroendocrine and immunologic systems. 1985
    1985 Proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides in the immune system. 1985
    1985 Regions of complementarity between the messenger RNAs for epidermal growth factor, transferrin, interleukin-2 and their respective receptors 1985
    1985 Control of Polyomavirus T-Antigen and DNA Synthesis in Mouse Embryo Fibroblast Cells by Vitamin A 1985
    1985 Interferon-induced transfer of natural cytotoxic activity between human leukocytes. 1985
    1985 A complete regulatory loop between the immune and neuroendocrine systems 1985
    1985 A complete regulatory loop between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. 1985
    1985 Bacterial lipopolysaccharide induction of leukocyte-derived corticotropin and endorphins 1985
    1985 Bacterial lipopolysaccharide induction of lymphocyte derived pro-opiomelanocortin related peptides 1985
    1985 Cellular requirements for thyrotropin enhancement of in vitro antibody production 1985
    1985 Characterization of ACTH receptors from murine adrenal cells and from human peripheral leukocytes 1985
    1985 Corticotropin-releasing activity of monokines 1985
    1985 Generation of a soluble IFN-γ inducer by oxidation of galactose residues on macrophages 1985
    1985 Inhibition of herpes simplex virus-1 replication by a proliferation-dependent cytotoxic peptide 1985
    1985 Neuroendocrine peptide hormones and their receptors in the immune system. production, processing and action 1985
    1985 PROOPIOMELANOCORTIN‐DERIVED PEPTIDES IN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM 1985
    1985 Similarity between the corticotropin (ACTH) receptor and a peptide encoded by an RNA that is complementary to ACTH mRNA 1985
    1985 The immune system: our mobile brain? 1985
    1985 The pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the immune system 1985
    1984 Enhancement of the in vitro antibody response by thyrotropin 1984
    1984 Vitamin A inhibition of polyoma virus replication 1984
    1984 Hydropathic anti-complementarity of amino acids based on the genetic code 1984
    1984 The immune system as a sensory organ. 1984
    1984 Regulation of lymphokine (γ-interferon) production by corticotropin 1984
    1984 A cytotoxic peptide common to the immune and endocrine systems 1984
    1984 Control of polyoma virus DNA synthesis by vitamin A 1984
    1984 Implications for a 'lymphoid adrenal axis' 1984
    1984 Interferon-induced transfer of viral resistance by human B and T lymphocytes 1984
    1984 Synergism of Antiviral Activity in Cell Cultures Treated with Low Concentrations of Interferon and Interferon-Treated Lymphocytes 1984
    1983 Human lymphocyte production of immunoreactive thyrotropin. 1983
    1983 A corticotropin (ACTH) related peptide with cytotoxic activity 1983
    1983 Action of an opiate receptor blocker on ovine cardiopulmonary responses to endotoxin 1983
    1983 Action of an opiate receptor blocker on ovine cardiopulmonary responses to endotoxin 1983
    1983 Cell-to-cell transfer of interferon-induced antiproliferative activity 1983
    1983 Human lymphocyte production of immunoreactive thyrotropin 1983
    1983 Ia antigen: A murine B lymphocyte receptor for transformed cell induction of interferon-α/β 1983
    1983 Nonsensitized murine B lymphocytes produce mouse interferon α/β in response to foreign cells 1983
    1983 Retinoic (vitamin A) acid inhibition of an L-cell glycoprotein that induces interferon α/β in non-sensitized mouse spleen cells 1983
    1983 Staphylococcus aureus protein A induces the production of interferon-α in human lymphocytes and interferon-α/β in mouse spleen cells 1983
    1983 Transformed and normal cell surface glycoproteins that induce interferon production by nonsensitized lymphocytes 1983
    1982 Human natural killer‐like activity against mouse spleen cells 1982
    1982 Involvement of endorphins in the lung lymph changes produced by endotoxin 1982
    1982 Regulation of the in vitro antibody response by neuroendocrine hormones 1982
    1982 Virus-induced corticosterone in hypophysectomized mice: A possible lymphoid adrenal axis 1982
    1981 Human lymphocyte production of corticotropin and endorphin-like substances: Association with leukocyte interferon 1981
    1981 Human lymphocyte production of corticotropin and endorphin-like substances: association with leukocyte interferon. 1981
    1981 Human leukocyte interferon (HuIFN-α): Potent endorphin-like opioid activity 1981
    1981 Human B lymphocytes produce leukocyte interferon after interaction with foreign cells 1981
    1981 Interferon and adrenocorticotropic hormone induction of steroidogenesis, melanogenesis and antiviral activity 1981
    1981 Anticellular and Immunosuppressive Activities of Foodborne Phenolic Compounds (41185) 1981
    1981 Cell-produced viral inhibitor: Possible mechanism of action and chemical composition 1981
    1981 Human lymphocyte production of neuroendocrine hormone-related substances 1981
    1981 Methods and Procedures for Experiments with Mixed Cell Populations: Transfer of the Antiviral State Induced by Interferon 1981
    1981 Methods and procedures for experiments with mixed cell populations: transfer of the antiviral state induced by interferon. 1981
    1981 Retinoic acid: Enhancement of a tumor and inhibition of interferon’s antitumor action 1981
    1981 The hormonal nature of the interferon system 1981
    1981 Transmission of IFN-induced activities by cell to cell communication 1981
    1980 Interferon nomenclature 1980
    1980 Common pathways of interferon and hormonal action [27] 1980
    1980 Human leukocyte interferon: Structural and biological relatedness to adrenocorticotropic hormone and endorphins 1980
    1980 Interferon nomenclature 1980
    1980 Human leukocyte interferon: structural and biological relatedness to adrenocorticotropic hormone and endorphins. 1980
    1980 IMMUNE INTERFERON: SOME PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS 1980
    1980 Interferon immunosuppression: Mediation by a suppressor factor 1980
    1980 Interferon nomenclature 1980
    1980 Purified human immune interferon has more potent anticellular activity than fibroblast or leukocyte interferon 1980
    1980 Transfer of interferon-induced viral resistance from human leukocytes to other cell types 1980
    1979 Nonsensitized lymphocytes produce leukocyte interferon when cultured with foreign cells 1979
    1979 A Small Fraction of Cells Communicates the Maximal Interferon Sensitivity to a Population 1979
    1979 A non-interferon, broadly active antiviral substances produced by most cells 1979
    1979 Cellular interactions determine the rate and degree of interferon action 1979
    1979 Human lymphocyte transfer of viral resistance 1979
    1979 Immune-type interferon-induced transfer of viral resistance 1979
    1979 Interferon induced transfer of viral resistance: Possible natural functions and implications 1979
    1979 Interferon-induced suppressor cell activity 1979
    1979 Interferon-induced suppressor factor: Possible mechanism of regulation of normal and tumor cells 1979
    1979 Mechanisms of interferon induced transfer of viral resistance between animal cells 1979
    1978 Effect of serum on the antiviral and anticellular activities of mouse interferon 1978
    1978 Various heterologous cells exhibit interferon induced transfer of viral resistance 1978
    1978 Efficient transfer of interferon-induced virus resistance between human cells 1978
    1978 Retinoic acid and the restoration of anchorage dependent growth to transformed mammalian cells 1978
    1977 Interferon-induced transfer of viral resistance between animal cells 1977
    1977 Vitamin A-induced density-dependent inhibition of L-cell proliferation. 1977
    1977 Brief communication: Vitamin a-induced density-dependent inhibition of l-cell proliferation 1977
    1977 Inhibition of interferon production by retinoic acid (vitamin A acid) 1977
    1977 Retinoic acid (vitamin A acid) induced transcriptional control of interferon production. 1977
    1977 Separation of mitogen-induced suppressor and helper cell activities during inhibition of interferon production by cyclic AMP 1977
    1977 The transfer of interferon-induced viral resistance between animal cells 1977
    1976 Comparison of the Suppression of Interferon Production and Inhibition of Its Action by Vitamin A and Related Compounds (39532) 1976
    1976 Suppression of interferon production by vitamin A 1976
    1975 Effect of Tween 80 and Aquasol A on virus plaque formation 1975
    1975 Inhibition of interferon action by vitamin A 1975
    1974 Effect of 'Aquasol A', vitamin A, and 'Tween 80' on vesicular stomatitis virus plaque formation and on interferon action. Brief report 1974
    1974 Effect of "Aquasol A", vitamin A, and "Tween 80" on vesicular stomatitis virus plaque formation and on interferon action 1974

    Book

    Year Title Altmetric
    2005 The Biology of CXC Chemokines and Their Receptors.  Ed. 55.  2005

    Chapter

    Year Title Altmetric
    2007 Bidirectional communication between the brain and the immune system.  3-25. 2007

    Research Overview

  • Unrelenting neutrophilic inflammation is a driving force in many human diseases. Research in the Blalock laboratory has focused on understanding the cause(s) of and potential treatments for this aberrant process. In what some consider a paradigm altering observation, the group has found that at inflammatory sites, neutrophil degradation of connective tissue proteins generates novel peptide fragments that can attract a new wave of neutrophils. In certain individuals, it is believed that this neutrophil-mediated process becomes uncontrolled, leading to self-propagating inflammation and chronic disease. In particular, a tripeptide (proline-glycine-proline, PGP) derived from collagen fragmentation, has been shown to attract and activate neutrophils via receptors previously thought to be only utilized by classical chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8).

    Moreover, chronic administration of this peptide into the airways of experimental animals causes robust neutrophil influx and a disease similar to emphysema with alveolar enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy. Consequently, the research has focused on airway disorders characterized by a chronic neutrophilic inflammation such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and lung transplantation organ rejection. In COPD and CF, these researchers have apparently identified a unique proteolytic pathway leading to collagen breakdown and PGP generation. This seems to involve matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and a novel serine protease, prolyl endopeptidase (PE); these enzymes have been found to be elevated in these disorders. Collectively, these findings have far-reaching translational potential for human pulmonary disorders, in particular, and chronic inflammatory diseases, in general. This is rapidly being implemented in the diagnostic arena where PGP and certain isoforms appear to be biomarkers for COPD, CF, and chronic lung transplant rejection. Future studies will examine whether PGP and its isoforms are prognostic for disease progression and efficacy of certain therapeutic regimens. Rational drug design has led to the development of a variety of PGP antagonists and MMP/PE inhibitors that target this novel pathway of neutrophilic inflammation and, consequently, are prototypes for drugs to treat chronic inflammatory conditions.

    • Principal Investigator On

  • A Novel Exosomal Inflammatory Pathway  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2017 - 2023
  • Innate Immune Aspects of Ocular Surface Disease  awarded by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS (CHICAGO) 2015 - 2020
  • Genetics of Smoke-Altered LTA4H in COPD  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2015 - 2019
  • PGP: A Possible Biomarker for COPD Exacerbations/ Progression  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2012 - 2017
  • HL-A New Pathway for Neutrophil-Induced Airway Inflammation  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2016
  • Acquired LTA4H Dysfunction in COPD  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2012 - 2016
  • A New Pathway for Neutrophil-Induced Airway Inflammation  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2010 - 2015
  • Private Grant  awarded by FOREST LABORATORIES, INC. 2012 - 2014
  • The Identification of a Novel, Retinoid Modulator of Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase that Augments its Aminopeptidase Activity and Blunts Neutrophilic Inflammation via Enhanced Proline-Glycine-Proline Degradation and/or Reduced Leukotriene B4 Generation  awarded by Howard Hughes Medical Institute 2012 - 2014
  • Private Grant  awarded by GlaxoSmithKline 2011 - 2012
  • MMP-9 Modulation as an Immunotherapeutic Intervention for Respiratory Infections  awarded by Albany Medical Center 2008 - 2012
  • Effect of Macrolide Treatment on a Novel Pathway of Neutrophilic Inflammation in COPD  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2007 - 2012
  • Therapeutics for Chronic Lung Disease: New Antagonists of PGP, Chemokines and CXCR  awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH/DHHS 2009 - 2012
  • Private Grant  awarded by GlaxoSmithKline 2011
  • Private Grant  awarded by GlaxoSmithKline 2009 - 2010

    • Investigator On

    Full Name

  • James Blalock