JOANNA MARGARET SENTISSI, M.D.

NEWTON, MA

Research Active
Surgery NPI registered 21+ years 3 publications 1987 – 2007 NPI: 1750387874
MiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutCytokinesImmunoglobulin GMice, Inbred BALB CChlorocebus aethiopsB-LymphocytesImmunocompromised HostInterferon-gammaBacterial VaccinesCoxiella burnetiiMacrophages, PeritonealQ FeverSplenomegaly

Practice Location

2000 WASHINGTON ST
NEWTON, MA 02462-1627

Phone: (617) 244-5355

What does JOANNA SENTISSI research?

Dr. Sentissi studies how the immune system reacts to specific bacteria and how oxygen levels can influence immune cell function. One area of her research involves the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, particularly in mice with weakened immune systems, to understand how prior infections can help the body fight off bacteria more effectively. Additionally, she investigates how different environments, like varying oxygen levels, impact immune cells called macrophages, which play a crucial role in protecting the body against infections. Her work also includes researching surgical interventions for improving blood circulation in patients with blocked arteries.

Key findings

  • Infection with an attenuated strain of Coxiella burnetii caused a significant fever lasting about 15 days in mice with weakened immune systems, while normal mice had little to no symptoms.
  • Mice infected with Coxiella burnetii showed a reduced fever response upon being re-exposed after 30 days, indicating a strengthened immune memory.
  • Macrophages exposed to low oxygen levels had double the ability to ingest harmful particles compared to those in high oxygen levels.
  • In a study of 20 patients undergoing axilloaxillary bypass surgery for subclavian artery insufficiency, 94% showed good blood flow post-surgery, and 89% maintained it after ten years.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Sentissi study infections?
Yes, she studies how the immune system responds to bacteria, particularly how past infections can strengthen the body's ability to fight off the same bacteria in the future.
What treatments has Dr. Sentissi researched?
She has researched axilloaxillary bypass surgery for improving blood flow in patients with subclavian artery insufficiency.
Is Dr. Sentissi's work relevant to respiratory patients?
Yes, her research on how oxygen levels affect immune responses is particularly relevant for patients with respiratory issues.
Can her research help with vaccine development?
Yes, her findings on immune responses to infections can inform doctors and scientists in the development of vaccines and other treatments.
What types of patients benefit from her research?
Patients at risk for infections, those with respiratory conditions, and individuals suffering from blood circulation issues benefit from her research.

Publications in plain English

Attenuated Coxiella burnetii phase II causes a febrile response in gamma interferon knockout and Toll-like receptor 2 knockout mice and protects against reinfection.

2007

Infection and immunity

Ochoa-Repáraz J, Sentissi J, Trunkle T, Riccardi C, Pascual DW

Plain English
This study looked at how a modified version of a bacterium called Coxiella burnetii affects mice with weakened immune systems. Researchers found that these mice developed a significant fever that lasted about 15 days after infection, while normal mice showed little to no symptoms. Interestingly, when the infected mice were exposed to the bacterium again after 30 days, they had a reduced fever response, suggesting that prior infection helped their immune system recognize and fight the bacteria better. Who this helps: This research helps patients at risk of infections, as well as doctors developing vaccines and treatments.

PubMed

Environmental oxygen tension affects phenotype in cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages.

2004

American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology

Pfau JC, Schneider JC, Archer AJ, Sentissi J, Leyva FJ +1 more

Plain English
This study explored how different oxygen levels affect macrophages, a type of immune cell that helps protect the body. Scientists found that macrophages grown in high oxygen conditions (like those in the lungs) acted less aggressively against pathogens than those grown in low oxygen levels, which were more effective in fighting infections. Specifically, macrophages in low oxygen had double the ability to phagocytize (ingest harmful particles) compared to those in high oxygen. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with respiratory issues and informs doctors on how oxygen levels can affect immune responses.

PubMed

Subclavian artery insufficiency. Treatment with axilloaxillary bypass.

1987

Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)

Weiner RI, Deterling RA, Sentissi J, O'Donnell TF

Plain English
This study looked at 20 patients who had surgery to treat a blocked or narrowed subclavian artery between 1973 and 1983. After the surgery, 94% of the patients initially had good blood flow, and 89% continued to have it after ten years. The results show that this type of bypass surgery is both safe and effective for people experiencing symptoms like arm pain, numbness, and dizziness due to poor blood circulation in the subclavian artery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with subclavian artery issues, especially those experiencing significant symptoms.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Javier Ochoa-Repáraz Theresa Trunkle Carol Riccardi David W Pascual Jean C Pfau Jordan C Schneider Amy J Archer Francisco J Leyva Jennifer Cramton R I Weiner

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.