J. DIXON GRAY, PH.D.

4333 Stern Avenue, #311 a Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Work: 323.442.1948 a Home: 818.990.5245 a dgf7bd10@westpost.net

An accomplished, highly regarded professional with Ph.D. in Tumor Immunology and

extensive research experience in academic laboratory environments. Extensive, h
ands-on experience in flow cytometry for cell analysis and proficient in the use
of various modern analysis techniques. A dynamic, intuitive, and resourceful r
esearcher, who exhibits exceptional analytical abilities and superior written an
d verbal communication skills. Conducted studies featured in numerous leading sc
ientific publications. Valued, trusted, and respected contributor who works well
independently and in collaborate lab settings. Astute investigator who approach
es challenges with creativity and innovation while successfully combining experi
ence and maturity.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology a 1984-
Present
Associate Professor of Research, 1998-Present
Perform full time research, with research findings featured in 50+ publications.
Currently determining the culture conditions which result in the generation of
cells with the characteristics of T regulatory cells and which exhibit activity
in mouse models. These cells are believed to be crucial in preventing autoimmuni
ty. The objective is to generate sufficient numbers of cells to be used as thera
py in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Key achievements and discoveries:
a Devised culture protocol that generated T regulatory-like cells from nave CD4+
(and CD8+) blood lymphocytes. Using nave lymphocytes as source of T regulatory
cells, reduced risk of expanding potentially pathogenic cells. Facilitated the d
evelopment of regulatory cell characteristics by utilizing an epigenetic agent,
azacytidine.
a Demonstrated the therapeutic potential of cells generated in the presence of a
protein messenger named TGF induced T regulatory-like cells using a mouse model
in collaboration with colleagues at UCLA. This revealed the cellsa potential to
alter course of autoimmune disease.
a Co-invented two patents on use of the TGF- and azacytidine in generation of T
regulatory-like cells.
a Identified a possible mechanism that elevated antibody production in patients
with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Found that the production of TGF-beta w
as decreased in patients with SLE. Having shown previously that TGF-beta is impo
rtant in generating antibody suppressor activity, these results explained the po
orly regulated antibody production in SLE.
a Supervised the USC Norris Cancer Center flow cytometry core facility serving 3
0+ different investigators. Collaborated with investigators to troubleshoot expe
riments and reach desired outcomes.
Assistant Professor of Research, 1984-1998
Investigated the cellular regulation of antibody production. A significant findi
ng resulting from this research was the identification of protein messenger fact
or, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), as major factor in promoting the
development of cells with inhibitory or regulatory properties.

Key achievements and discoveries:

a One of the first to show the importance of TGF-beta in the generation of cells
with suppressive activity. This finding proved pivotal in understanding how cel
ls with regulatory activity can be induced; formed the foundation for subsequent
investigations into generation of these cells for therapeutic purposes.
a Resolved the paradox that natural killer (NK) cells could be shown to have bot
h suppress activity and support antibody production. Discovered that suppressio
n was indirect and was mediated by CD8+ lymphocytes and that TGF-beta produced b
y the NK cells promoted this response.
a A first to report that NK cells can promote immunoglobulin production. The sig
nificance of this finding was that in settings where immune cell function is abe
rrant, such as in SLE, NK cells could potentially contribute to antibody product
ion and the autoimmune process.
a Oversaw Norris Cancer Center flow cytometry core facility serving 35+ differen
t investigators.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES a 1981-1984
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Sidney Golub-Division of Surgica
l Oncology
Conducted research on the generation of lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells,
which were NK cells cultured in presence of a protein messenger or cytokine, in
terleukin 2. These cells could be shown to kill a variety of tumors in vitro and
were used as a therapy for certain tumors.
Key achievements and discoveries:
a Studied the generation of LAK cells, which formed basis of a human lung cancer
cell-based therapy. The cells could be shown to have potent killer activity dir
ected towards tumor cells. These efforts proved valuable, as investigators expre
ssed great interest in exploiting cells for treatment of certain tumors.
a Demonstrated that LAK cells could be generated from human thymocytes; dispelle
d commonly-held notion that mature NK cells were required to be starting populat
ion. Results allowed more flexibility in the source of cells with which to gener
ate LAK cells.

EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM, Cancer Research Laboratories, Nottingham, UK a 1981
Doctor of Philosophy in Tumor Immunology
Studied the effect of bacterial adjuvants on the generation of cytotoxic macroph
ages and NK cells. Investigated the mechanism of action of bacterial adjuvants,
such as BCG, which were used as stimulants for anti-tumor responses.
UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW, GLASGOW, UK a 1978
Bachelor of Science in Immunology, with honours

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Chairperson of Los Angeles School District Commission for Special Education, 199
8
President of the Board of Trustees of the North Los Angeles County Regional Cent
er, 1996