Research Focus
Dr. Perez’s research addresses immune-mediated corneal diseases such as ocular graft-versus-host disease and corneal transplant rejection, with the aim of restoring vision through genetic, cellular, and immunomodulatory therapies. His lab is actively developing ocular regenerative strategies to reverse corneal damage and prevent transplant failure. A major focus is also the advancement of dry eye disease treatments, including the use of patient-specific data and high-resolution imaging to identify disease subtypes and tailor personalized therapies. In collaboration with Dr. Alfonso L. Sabater MD PhD, Dr. Perez is building an integrated screening, diagnosis, and treatment program that will support clinical trials of new therapies designed to stimulate tear production and protect the ocular surface.
As Director of the Cornea Research Program, Dr. Perez is committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and mentoring early-career investigators to expand the breadth of translational research at Bascom Palmer. His work on corneal transplantation includes testing posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as a method to delay immune rejection in MHC-mismatched corneal allografts. Additional studies explore whether PTCy can selectively deplete anti-graft T cells while preserving regulatory T cells, ultimately prolonging graft survival in high-risk patients. Together, these efforts aim to advance precision therapeutics in corneal disease and transplantation.
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