Position
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, McGill University
Research Interests
We use murine models of allergic airways disease to better understand how innate and adaptive immunity coordinate to promote type 2 inflammation in the lung. We are currently examining how innate cells in the lung, activated by IL-33 in adult mice, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young mice, promote type 2 inflammation and Th2 adaptive immunity. One focus of our work is to better understand how STAT6 activation in eosinophils promotes their activity. As part of our program to understand the link between innate and Th2 adaptive immunity in the lung, we are characterizing activity of an immunomodulatory peptide we developed (STAT6-IP). We have also developed murine models of atopic dermatitis to extend these studies. Finally, we are characterizing how sex and sex hormones influence each of these outcomes.
STAT6-IP-Dependent Disruption of IL-33-Mediated ILC2 Expansion and Type 2 Innate Immunity in the Murine Lung.
Moarbes V, Gaudreault V, Karkout R, Labrie L, Zhao H, Shan J, Fixman ED. J Immunol. 2022 Oct 14:ji2100688.
Sex Differences in IL-33-Induced STAT6-Dependent Type 2 Airway Inflammation.
Zhao H, Moarbes V, Gaudreault V, Shan J, Aldossary H, Cyr L, Fixman ED. Front Immunol. 2019 May 1;10:859.
STAT6 inhibitory peptide reduces dendritic cell migration to the lymph nodes to control Th2 adaptive immunity in the mouse lung.
Lee S, Shan J, Aldossary H, Gaudreault V, Bazett M, Fixman ED. Eur J Immunol. 2019 Jan;49(1):157-169.
STAT6 inhibitory peptide given during RSV infection of neonatal mice reduces exacerbated airway responses upon adult reinfection.
Srinivasa BT, Restori KH, Shan J, Cyr L, Xing L, Lee S, Ward BJ, Fixman ED. J Leukoc Biol. 2017 Feb;101(2):519-529.
Dose-dependent effects of IL-17 on IL-13-induced airway inflammatory responses and airway hyperresponsiveness.
Kinyanjui MW, Shan J, Nakada EM, Qureshi ST, Fixman ED. J Immunol. 2013 Apr 15;190(8):3859-68.
Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells drive airway smooth muscle remodeling in experimental asthma.
Ramos-Barbón D, Presley JF, Hamid QA, Fixman ED, Martin JG. J Clin Invest. 2005 Jun;115(6):1580-9.
View Elizabeth Fixman’s posts and news:
October 30, 2023: Lydia Labrie
October 30, 2023 Work in Progress: Lydia Labrie (PhD with Elizabeth Fixman and Brian Ward)
Spring 2022 Student Awards
Congratulations to the recipients of FRQS and CIHR studentship and fellowship awards! We wish you much success!
Spring 2021 Student Awards
Congratulations to the recipients of FRQS and CIHR studentship and fellowship awards! We wish you much success!
STAT6-IP reduces the development of allergic-type lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness
Scientists discover peptide that could reduce the incidence of RSV-related asthma.
Educating the immune system with SAT6-IP
Potential vaccine redirects the immune response away from developing allergies
Contact Information
Meakins-Christie Laboratories
RI-MUHC, Block E
Office EM3.2242
Lab E03.4380
1001 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal QC H4A 3J1
Canada
Tel: 514-934-1934 Ext. 76366 (lab)
Tel: 514-934-1934 Ext. 76242 (office)
Tel: 514-934-1934 Ext. 76172 (admin)
Fax: 514-933-3962
E-Mail: elizabeth.fixman [at] mcgill.ca
Education & Training
BSc (Chem/Biochem) Colorado State U (1986)
PhD (Pharmacology) Johns Hopkins (1992)
Teaching
Adv Topics in Respiration, EXMD 508