Mariana J. Kaplan

Mariana J. Kaplan is a renowned rheumatologist and scientist known for her significant contributions to the field of autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She currently serves as the Chief of the Systemic Autoimmunity Branch at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Early Life and Education

Kaplan was born and raised in Argentina. She completed her medical degree at the University of Buenos Aires, where she developed a keen interest in rheumatology and autoimmunity. She then pursued her residency in Internal Medicine at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires.

Career and Research

Following her residency, Kaplan moved to the United States to further her research in rheumatology. She completed her fellowship at the University of Michigan, where she later joined the faculty and established a productive research program focused on the pathogenesis of SLE and RA.

In 2013, Kaplan was appointed as the Chief of the Systemic Autoimmunity Branch at NIAMS. Her research at NIAMS primarily focuses on the role of neutrophils and netosis in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of these diseases and has potential implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Honors and Awards

Throughout her career, Kaplan has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field of rheumatology. These include the Henry Kunkel Young Investigator Award from the American College of Rheumatology and the Lee C. Howley Sr. Prize for Arthritis Research.

Publications

Kaplan has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in prestigious scientific journals. Her work is widely cited and has significantly influenced the field of rheumatology and autoimmunity.