Cynthia Gregory, Ph.D., investigates the use of adult stem or progenitor cells to modulate inflammation and immunity, and to regenerate tissue. Dr. Gregory’s research was one of the first programs to demonstrate that endothelial cells can be active targets of an immune response, particularly as targets in allograft rejection. Utilizing rodent models of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, Dr. Gregory also has studied the regulation of cellular autoimmune responses to autoantigens.

Research projects that Dr. Gregory is working on with the other scientists of the Center for Regenerative Medicine include the use of autologous bone marrow cells for the regeneration of muscle and nerves damaged by compartment syndrome, cardiac stem cells to treat post-infarction ischemic cardiomyopathy and chemotherapy-related cardiomyopathy, and mesenchymal stromal cells to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Dr. Gregory received her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from OHSU. She then completed a research fellowship at OHSU in cardiovascular medicine, focusing on the mechanism of cardiac chronic graft rejection. Dr. Gregory currently is a research associate professor at the OHSU Center for Regenerative Medicine and a research associate professor at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center.