Jessy J. Alexander PhD
Jessy J. Alexander
PhD
Research Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Autoimmunity; Cell Metabolism; Gene Expression; Immunology; Inflammation; Intrinsic Immunity; Metabolism; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular Basis of Disease; Neurobiology; Neuroimmunology; Neuroscience; Pathophysiology; Transgenic organisms
Professional Summary:
Complement: Its nuances in health and disease:
The lab has 2 ongoing projects: The first one is to study the role of the complement (C) system in the kidney and brain in normal and disease settings. C discovered by Jules Bordet in the 1800s is one of the critical mechanisms involved in human defense. The exciting work in the last decade has revealed that in addition to the established function of host defense, C also participates in several novel non-canonical functions, and has functional specificities at different locations, that have led to a rapidly expanding C therapeutics arena. C regulators strictly modulate the C system, preventing injury to host tissue. The absence of C factor H (FH), a critical regulator of the alternative C pathway causes loss of kidney function in men and mice. The goal of the kidney arm of the work is to understand the role of FH in glomerular inflammation, using the immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (ICGN) mouse model. Bone marrow and kidney transplant studies in the lab revealed that ICs were transported by FH on platelets in mice and processed by FH on kidney podocytes. In addition, our results showed that circulating FH played a critical role in causing kidney disease pathology. Since significant macrophage (MØs) infiltration occurred in the kidneys in this disease setting, and depletion of MØs in mice alleviated the pathology we are determining the role of these cells and the underlying mechanisms involved. We are studying the role of extrinsic and intrinsic C on MØs in this setting and the mechanisms at play in the regulation of trafficking and polarization of MØs by FH. Another observation in this disease setting is the subendothelial deposits. The endothelial layer is an integral part of the kidney filtration unit. Using cultured endothelial cells isolated from wildtype and FH knockout mice, our recent studies revealed for the first time that intrinsic endothelial C is of significance in maintaining kidney endothelial layer integrity. The translatability of the results was established using human endothelial cells transfected with FH SiRNA. The molecular pathways involved are the focus of ongoing studies. One of the commonalities between the brain and the kidney is that both organs filter the blood passing through. We study the role of C in the brain focusing on the systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) model and 2D cell culture systems. Our results show that C inhibition protected the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, reduced the severity of the disease, and improved behavior in lupus. C5a generated during C activation alters the structural integrity of the BBB by signaling through the G-coupled receptor, C3aR. We are currently studying the C-dependent pathways involved in brain endothelial cells.
The second project that is currently ongoing is to study the role of the microbiome and the C connection in different inflammatory diseases such as lupus in men and mice. The collection of samples to determine how the microbiome impacts the disease in lupus patients in India was initiated through a Fulbright scholarship. We are grateful for the support of the Community of Excellence for Global Health Equity and the Office of the Vice President of Research, UB that has allowed us to begin processing and analysis of these samples. With the support of Genome, Environment, and Microbiome (GEM, UB), we have accrued the microbiome samples from mice, and the sequencing and analysis are currently ongoing.
Education and Training:
- Certificate, AI Generalist Certification, Outskill (2025)
- Other, AI Tools 101 for Transforming Online Learning, Inside Higher Ed: Honorlock (2025)
- PhD, Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad (1990)
- MS, Science with Zoology, Osmania University (1982)
Employment:
- Associate Director, MD/PhD program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2025-present)
- Associate Director, MD/PhD program, MD/PhD, University at Buffalo (2025-present)
- Councilor, International Complement Society (2025-present)
- Associate Editor, Immunobiology (2024-present)
- Section editor, Immunobiology (2024-present)
- Adjunct Faculty, Physiology and Biophysics, JSMBS, University at Buffalo (2023-present)
- Topic Editor, Women in MS and Neurodegeneration, Frontiers in Neurology (2023-present)
- Associate Editor, Bcell biology, Frontiers in Immunology (2022-present)
- Topic Editor, Complement & Autoimmunity, Frontiers in Immunology (2022-present)
- Adjunct Faculty, Eerie Community College (2017-present)
- Adjunct Faculty, Trocaire (2016-present)
- Member, Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo (2016-present)
- Graduate Faculty, Medicine, University at Buffalo (2017-present)
- Member, Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo School of Health Related Professions (2016-present)
- Research Professor, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (2015-present)
- Diversity Advocate, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo (2021–2023)
- Diversity Advocate, Medicine, University at Buffalo (2020–2023)
- Faculty Senate Secretary, University at Buffalo (2017–2022)
- Chair, Faculty Senate Elections committee (2018–2020)
- Expert reviewer, Sciences, American Association of University Women (2019)
- Chair, Ad hoc panel for promotions in Research track; Univ. of Buffalo (2017–2019)
- Chair Pro-Tem, UB Faculty Senate (2018)
- Expert reviewer, NIH Anonymization Study by CSR, 2018. (2018)
- Faculty, Discovery seminar series, UB (2014–2016)
- Research Associate Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2013–2014)
- Adjunct Faculty, East-West college (2012–2013)
- Adjunct Faculty, DePaul University (2011–2013)
- Research Associate Professor, Medicine, The University of Chicago (2008–2013)
- Chair, American Panel, American Panel, American Association of University Women (2009–2011)
- Research Assistant Professor, Medicine, The University of Chicago (2000–2008)
- Chair, International panel, International panel, American Association of Women (2004–2006)
- Chair, Natural Science sub panel, American Association of University Women (2003)
- Research Associate, Medicine, The University of Chicago (1998–2000)
Awards and Honors:
- Mentor of the Year (2025)
- Councillor (2025)
- Travel Award (2025)
- Laboratory grant (2025)
- Travel award (2024)
- American Association of Immunology Lab grant (2024)
- panelist (2022)
- 2021 Lab grant, American Association of Immunology (2021)
- Individual Development Award (2021)
- Excellence in Immunology (2019)
- Faculty Award of Excellence for promoting inclusion and cultural diversity (2019)
- Fulbright Scholar (2019)
- Manuscript published received editorial invite since it got 2537 downloads in a year (2018)
- SUNY award ‘Conversations in the Disciplines’ (2017)
- Article chosen for cover page by Immunology journal (2015)
- Article chosen for cover page by Immunology journal (2014)
- Invited speaker (2007)
- Journal of Immunology paper given write up in Lupus Research Update (2006)
- Invited speaker at the MPGN Type II Focus Group: Towards a Cure, UK (2006)
- Paper in Inaugural Issue of Fast Track Manuscripts, JASN (2004)
- Abstract chosen by the American Society of Nephrology (2004)
- Certificate for Original Research, Neuroscience Program Committee, Chicago Medical School (1992)
- ICMR travel award (1990)
- American Society of Neurochemistry Travel Award (1989)
- Chosen as “highlights from literature”: Hyperammonemia causes many changes found after portacaval shunting, Biochem. J., 272:311-317, by Cerebrovascular and Brain Metabolism Reviews (1989)
- SS Parmer Foundation Award (1986)
- Senior Research Fellowship, CSIR, India (1984)
- Junior Research Fellowship, CSIR, India (1982)
- National Merit Scholarship (1975)
Research Expertise:
- Experimental renal inflammation
- Monocytes in circulation and Macrophages in tissues
- Mouse models of sterile inflammation and autoimmunity
- Neuropsychiatric lupus
- Nuances of complement and endothelial cells
- Pathobiology of the complement system
Research Centers:
- Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC)
UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:
- Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems and Bioinformatics
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- July 2018–July 2021
Mechanisms of Complement Dependent Immune Complex-Mediated Glomerulonephritis
National Institute of Health
Role: Principal Investigator
$717,750 - January 2018–December 2018
American Hearing Research Foundation
American Hearing Research Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$20,000 - January 2018–April 2018
course infusion award
University at Buffalo
Role: Principal Investigator
$785 - February 2007–February 2012
“Role of the Complement System in Renal Disease.”
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator - October 2002–December 2011
Kidneed Foundation
Kidneed Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$250,000 - February 1998–February 2006
“Role of the Complement System in Glomerulonephritis,”
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator - February 1999–February 2003
“Pathogenic Role of the Complement System in Murine Lupus”
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator - January 1999–January 2001
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$90,000 - March 1992–March 1994
Omega oxidation and Reyes syndrome.
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$50,000
Journal Articles:
- Aalinkeel R, Quigg RJ, Alexander J. (2025) The complement system and kidney cancer: pathogenesis to clinical applications. The Journal of clinical investigation (May), 135(9). doi:10.1172/JCI188351
- Jacob A, He J, Peck A, Jamil A, Bunya V, Alexander JJ, Ambrus JL. (2025) Metabolic changes during evolution of Sjögren's in both an animal model and human patients. Heliyon (Jan), 11(1): e41082. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41082
- Rajkumar J, Spath A, Dokuri H, Jacob A, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2024) Melatonin as a potential adjunct therapy for central nervous system lupus: evidence from the MRL/lpr mouse model. Precis Clin Med. (Sep), 7(30): 4. doi:10.1093/pcmedi/pbae024
- Kareem S, Jacob A, Mathew J, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2023) Complement: Functions, location and implications. Immunology (Oct), 170(2): 180-192. doi:10.1111/imm.13663
- Wu EY, Alexander JJ, Fukui S. (2022) Editorial: The complement system in autoimmunity. Front Immunol. (Nov), 13: 1085525.
- Alexander Jacob, Michael Phelps, Shane Fraher, Marcos Lopez, Anthony Chang, Richard J. Quigg, and Jessy J. Alexander. (2022) Macrophage depletion reduces disease pathology in factor H dependent immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Journal of Immunology Research (Jan)
- Jacob A, Phelps M, Fraher S, Lopez M, Chang A, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2022) Macrophage Depletion Reduces Disease Pathology in Factor H-Dependent Immune Complex-Mediated Glomerulonephritis. Journal of immunology research (Jan), 2022: 1737419. doi:10.1155/2022/1737419
- Jacob A, Nina Peralta L, Pegues D, Okamura K, Chang A, McSkimming D, Alexander J. (2021) Exercise alleviates symptoms of CNS lupus. Brain research (Aug), 1765: 147478.
- Mahajan S, Jacob A, Kelkar A, Chang A, Mcskimming D, Neelamegham S, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2021) Local Complement Factor H protects kidney endothelial cell structure and function. Kidney International (Jul) doi:10.1016/j.kint.2021.05.033
- Jacob A, Nina Peralta L, Pegues D, Okamura K, Chang A, McSkimming D, Alexander J. (2021) Exercise alleviates symptoms of CNS lupus. Brain Research (Jul)(1765): 147478. doi:0.1016/j.brainres
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Chang A, Quigg RJ, Jarvis JN. (2020) Double negative T cells, a potential biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus. Precis Clin Med. (Jul), 1(3): 34-43.
- Seldeen KL, Thiyagarajan R, Redae Y, Jacob A, Troen BR, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2020) Absence of complement factor H reduces physical performance in C57BL6 mice. Immunobiology (Jul), 5(225): 152003. doi:10.1016/j.imbio
- Jessy Alexander. (2020) Complement C5a/C5aR signaling and CNS lupus. Lupus: Open Access (Feb)(5): 156.
- He J, Zhang R, Shao M, Zhao X, Miao M , Chen J, Liu J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Jin Y, Wang Y , Zhang S, Zhu L, Jacob A, Jia R, You R, Li X, Li C, Zhou Y, Yang, Ye H, Liu Y, Su Y, Shen N, Alexander JJ, Guo J, Ambrus J, Lin X, Yu D, Sun X, Li Z. (2019) Efficacy and safety of low-dose IL-2 in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis (Jul), 1(79): 141-149.
- Alexander JJ, Quigg RJ. (2018) Muscle, Myeloid Cells, and Complement: A Complex Interaction. Cell Mol Immunol (Nov), 15(11): 992-993.
- Alexander JJ. (2018) Blood-brain Barrier (BBB) and the Complement Landscape. Mol Immunol (Oct), 102: 26-31.
- Alexander JJ, Sankaran JS, Seldeen KL, Thiyagarajan R, Jacob A, Quigg RJ, Troen BR, Judex S. (2018) Absence of Complement Factor H Alters Bone Architecture and Dynamics. Immunobiology (Aug).
- Yacoub R, Jacob A, Wlaschin J, McGregor M, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2018) Lupus: The Microbiome Angle. Immunobiology (Jun), 223(6-7): 460-465.
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Parikh NU, Jacob A, Cwiklinski K, Sandhu P, Le K, Loftus AW, Schwartz SA, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2017) Immunomodulatory Role of Complement Proteins in the Neuropathology Associated with Opiate Abuse and HIV-1 Co-Morbidity. Immunol Invest (Nov), 46(8): 816-832.
- Alexander JJ, Chaves LD, Chang A, Dighe S, Jacob A, Quigg RJ. (2016) Abrogation of Immune Complex Glomerulonephritis by Native Carboxypeptidase and Pharmacological Antagonism of the C5a Receptor. Cell Mol Immunol (Sep), 13(5): 651-657.
- Mahajan SD, Tutino VM, Redae Y, Meng H, Siddiqui A, Woodruff TM, Jarvis JN, Hennon TR, Schwartz S, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2016) C5a Induces Caspase-dependent Apoptosis in Brain Vascular Endothelial Cells in Experimental Lupus. Immunology (Aug), 148(4): 407-419.
- Martin M, Leffler J, Smolag KI, Mytych J, Björk A, Chaves LD, Alexander JJ, Quigg RJ, Blom AM. (2016) Factor H Uptake Regulates Intracellular C3 Activation During Apoptosis and Decreases the Inflammatory Potential of Nucleosomes. Cell Death Differ (Jan).
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Quigg RJ. (2015) Effects of Conventional Immunosuppressive Therapy on Functional and Pathological Features of CNS Lupus in NZB/W Mice. F1000Research (Jun), 4: 163-173.
- Alexander JJ, Chaves LD, Chang A, Jacob A, Ritchie M, Quigg RJ. (2015) CD11b is Protective in Complement-mediated Immune Complex Glomerulonephritis. Kidney Int (May), 87(5): 930-939.
- Eadon MT, Jacob A, Cunningham PN, Quigg RJ, Garcia JG, Alexander JJ. (2014) Transcriptional Profiling Reveals that C5a Alters microRNA in Brain Endothelial Cells. Immunology (Nov), 143(3): 363-373.
- Jacob A, Alexander JJ. (2014) Complement and Blood-brain Barrier Integrity. Mol Immunol (Oct), 61(2): 149-152.
- Eadon MT, Jacob A, Cunningham PN, Quigg RJ, Garcia JG, Alexander JJ. (2014) Transcriptional Profiling Reveals that C5a Alters miRNA in Brain Endothelial Cells. Immunology (May).
- Jacob A, Chaves L, Eadon MT, Chang A, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2013) Curcumin Alleviates Immune-complex-mediated Glomerulonephritis in Factor-H-deficient Mice. Immunology (Jul), 139(3): 328-337.
- Eadon MT, Hack BK, Alexander JJ, Xu C, Dolan ME, Cunningham PN. (2013) Cell Cycle Arrest in a Model of Colistin Nephrotoxicity. Physiol Genomics (Jul), Epub.
- Foxley S, Zamora M, Hack B, Alexander RR, Roman B, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2013) Curcumin aggravates CNS pathology in experimental systemic lupus erythematosus. Brain Res (Apr), 1504: 85-96.
- Alexander JJ, Chaves L, Chang A, Quigg Jr. RJ. (2012) The C5a Receptor has a Key Role in Immune Complex Glomerulonephritis in Complement Factor H-deficient Mice. Kidney Int (Nov), 82(9): 961-968.
- Jacob A, Hack B, Chen P, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2011) C5a/CD88 Signaling Alters Blood-brain Barrier Integrity in Lupus through Nuclear Factor-kB. J Neurochem (Dec), 119(5): 1041-1051.
- Jacob A, Brorson JR, Alexander JJ. (2011) Septic Encephalopathy: Inflammation in Man and Mouse. Neurochem Int (Mar), 58(4): 472-476.
- Alexander JJ, Hack BK, Jacob A, Chang A, Haas M, Finberg RW, Quigg RJ. (2010) Abnormal Immune Complex Processing and Spontaneous Glomerulonephritis in Complement Factor H-deficient Mice with Human Complement Receptor 1 on Erythrocytes. J Immunol (Sep), 185(6): 3759-3767.
- Jacob A, Hack B, Chiang E, Garcia JG, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2010) C5a Alters Blood-brain Barrier Integrity in Experimental Lupus. FASEB J (Jun), 24(6): 1682-1688.
- Jacob A, Hack B, Bai T, Brorson JR, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2010) Inhibition of C5a Receptor Alleviates Experimental CNS Lupus. J Neuroimmunol (Apr), 221(1-2): 46-52.
- Jacob A, Bao L, Brorson J, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2010) C3aR Inhibition Reduces Neurodegeneration in Experimental Lupus. Lupus (Jan), 19(1): 73-82.
- Pytel P, Alexander JJ. (2009) Pathogenesis of Septic Encephalopathy. Curr Opin Neurol (Jun), 22(3): 283-287.
- Alexander JJ. (2009) Septic Encephalopathy. Current opinions in Neurology (Jan), 22: 283-287.
- Alexander JJ, Anderson AJ, Barnum SR, Stevens B, Tenner AJ. (2008) The Complement Cascade: Yin-Yang in Neuroinflammation--Neuro-protection and--Degeneration. J Neurochem (Dec), 107(5): 1169-1187.
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Cunningham P, Hensley L, Quigg RJ. (2008) TNF is a Key Mediator of Septic Encephalopathy Acting through its Receptor, TNF Receptor-1. Neurochem Int (Feb), 52(3): 447-456.
- Jacob A, Hensley LK, Safratowich BD, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. (2007) The Role of the Complement Cascade in Endotoxin-induced Septic Encephalopathy. Lab Invest (Dec), 87(12): 1186-1194.
- Alexander JJ, Zwingmann C, Jacob A, Quigg R. (2007) Alteration in Kidney Glucose and Amino Acids are Implicated in Renal Pathology in MRL/lpr Mice. Biochim Biophys Acta (Oct), 1772(10): 1143-1149.
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Vezina P, Sekine H, Gilkeson GS, Quigg RJ. (2007) Absence of Functional Alternative Complement Pathway Alleviates Lupus Cerebritis. Eur J Immunol (Jun), 37(6): 1691-1701.
- Alexander JJ, Wang Y, Chang A, Jacob A, Minto AW, Karmegam M, Haas M, Quigg RJ. (2007) Mouse Podocyte Complement Factor H: The Functional Analog to Human Complement Receptor 1. J Am Soc Nephrol (Apr), 18(4): 1157-1166.
- Alexander JJ. (2007) New Approaches to the Treatment of Dense Deposit Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. (Jan), 18: 2447-2456.
- Alexander JJ. (2007) Systemic lupus erythematosus and the brain: What mice are telling us. Neurochem Int. (Jan), 50: 5.
- Alexander JJ. (2007) Rodent Factor H Functions as a Counterpart of Human CR1 in Renal Immune Complex Processing. J Am Soc Nephrol (Jan), 18: 1157-1166.
- Alexander JJ, Quigg RJ. (2007) The simple design of complement factor H: Looks can be deceiving. Molecular immunology (Jan), 44(1-3): 123-32.
- Wang Y, Zhou J, Minto AW, Hack BK, Alexander JJ, Haas M, Li YC, Heilig CW, Quigg RJ. (2006) Altered Vitamin D Metabolism in Type II Diabetic Mouse Glomeruli may Provide Protection from Diabetic Nephropathy. Kidney Int (Sep), 70(5): 882-891.
- Alexander JJ, Aneziokoro OG, Chang A, Hack BK, Markaryan A, Jacob A, Luo R, Thirman M, Haas M, Quigg RJ. (2006) Distinct and Separable Roles of the Complement System in Factor H-deficient Bone Marrow Chimeric Mice with Immune Complex Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol (May), 17(5): 1354-1361.
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Bao L, Macdonald RL, Quigg RJ. (2005) Complement-dependent Apoptosis and Inflammatory Gene Changes in Murine Lupus Cerebritis. J Immunol (Dec), 175(12): 8312-8319.
- Alexander JJ, Zwingmann C, Quigg R. (2005) MRL/lpr Mice have Alterations in Brain Metabolism as Shown with [1H-13C] NMR Spectroscopy. Neurochem Int (Jul), 47(1-2): 143-151.
- Alexander JJ. (2005) MRL/lpr Mice have Alterations in Brain Metabolism as Shown with [(1)H-(13)C] NMR Spectroscopy. Neurochem Intl (Jan), 47: 143-151.
- Alexander JJ, Pickering MC, Haas M, Osawe I, Quigg RJ. (2005) Complement factor h limits immune complex deposition and prevents inflammation and scarring in glomeruli of mice with chronic serum sickness. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN (Jan), 16(1): 52-7.
- Alexander JJ. (2003) Rat Glomerular Epithelial Cells Produce and Bear Factor H on their Surface that is Up-regulated Under Complement Attack. Kidney Int (Jan), 64: 914.
- Alexander JJ. (2003) Administration of the Soluble Complement Inhibitor, Crry-Ig, Reduces Inflammation and Aquaporin 4 Expression in Lupus Cerebritis. Biochim Biophys Acta. (Jan), 1639: 169-176.
- Wyss-Coray T, Yan F, Lin AH, Lambris JD, Alexander JJ, Quigg RJ, Masliah E. (2002) Prominent Neurodegeneration and Increased Plaque Formation in Complement-inhibited Alzheimer‘s Mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Aug), 99(16): 10837-10842.
- Bao L, Haas M, Boackle SA, Kraus DM, Cunningham PN, Park P, Alexander JJ, Anderson RK, Culhane K, Holers VM, Quigg RJ. (2002) Transgenic Expression of a Soluble Complement Inhibitor Protects Against Renal Disease and Promotes Survival in MRL/lpr Mice. J Immunol (Apr), 168(7): 3601-3607.
- Alexander JJ. (2002) Prominent Renal Expression of a Murine Leukemia Retrovirus in Experimental Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Am Soc Nephrol. (Jan), 13: 2869.
- Alexander JJ. (2002) Injury in Renal Ischemia-reperfusion is Independent from Immunoglobulins and T Lymphocytes. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol (Jan), 282: F352-F357.
- Alexander JJ. (2002) A Complement-dependent Model of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Induced by Antibodies Reactive with Endothelial Cells. Clinical Immunology (Jan), 103: 43-53.
- Alexander JJ. (2002) Genetic Inhibition of the Complement Cascade Accelerates Alzheimer’s Pathology in Transgenic Mice. PNAS (Jan), 99: 10837-10842.
- Park P, Haas M, Cunningham PN, Alexander JJ, Bao L, Guthridge JM, Kraus DM, Holers VM, Quigg RJ. (2001) Inhibiting the Complement System does not Reduce Injury in Renal Ischemia Reperfusion. J Am Soc Nephrol (Jul), 12(7): 1383-1390.
- Schiller B, Cunningham PN, Alexander JJ, Bao L, Holers VM, Quigg RJ. (2001) Expression of a Soluble Complement Inhibitor Protects Transgenic Mice from Antibody-induced Acute Renal Failure. J Am Soc Nephrol (Jan), 12(1): 71-79.
- Alexander JJ. (2001) Factor H is Present on Rodent Platelets and Functions as the Immune Adherence Receptor. JBC (Jan), 276: 32129-32135.
- Alexander JJ. (2000) Complement is Activated in Kidney by Endotoxin but does not Cause the Ensuing Acute Renal Failure. Kidney Int. (Jan), 58: 1580.
- Alexander JJ. (2000) Production and Functional Analysis of Rat CD59 and Chimeric CD59-Crry as Active Soluble Proteins in Pichia Pastoris. Immunology (Jan)99-46.
- Alexander JJ. (1999) Renal, Central Nervous System and Pancreatic Overexpression of Recombinant Soluble Crry in Transgenic Mice. A Novel Means of Protection from Complement-mediated Injury. Immunopharmacology (Jan), 42: 245-254.
- Quigg RJ, He C, Lim A, Berthiaume D, Alexander JJ, Kraus D, Holers VM. (1998) Transgenic Mice Overexpressing the Complement Inhibitor Crry as a Soluble Protein are Protected from Antibody-induced Glomerular Injury. J Exp Med (Oct), 188(7): 1321-1331.
- Alexander JJ, Snyder A, Tonsgard JH. (1998) Omega-oxidation of Monocarboxylic Acids in Rat Brain. Neurochem Res (Feb), 23(2): 227-233.
- Alexander JJ. (1998) Immune Complex Glomerulonephritis in C4- and C3-Deficient Mice. Kidney Int. (Jan), 53: 32.
- Alexander JJ. (1998) Inhibition of Complement Regulation is Key to the Pathogenesis of Active Heymann Nephritis. J Exp. Med. (Jan), 188: 1353.
- Alexander JJ. (1997) Production of the Rat Complement Regulator, Crry, as an Active Soluble Protein in Pichia Pastoris. Arch. Biochem. Biophys (Jan), 341: 3.
- Alexander JJ. (1997) Characterization of C3 Receptors on Cultured Rat Glomerular Endothelial Cells. Kidney International (Jan), 51: 1124.
- Alexander JJ. (1997) Characterization of C3-binding Proteins on Mouse Neutrophils and Platelets. J Immunol. (Jan), 159: 2438.
- Alexander JJ, Banerjee P, Dawson G, Tonsgard JH. (1995) Hyperammonemia Increases Serotonin 1A Receptor Expression in Both Rat Hippocampus and a Transfected Hippocampal Cell Line, HN2-5. J Neurosci Res (May), 41(1): 105-110.
- Alexander JJ. (1995) Molecular Characterization of Rat Crry: Widespread Distribution of Two Alternative Forms of Crry mRNA. Immunogenetics (Jan), 42: 362.
- Hawkins RA, Jessy J, Mans AM, Chedid A, DeJoseph MR, Alexander JJ. (1994) Neomycin Reduces the Intestinal Production of Ammonia from Glutamine. Adv Exp Med Biol (Jan), 368: 125-134.
- Hawkins RA, Jessy J, Mans AM, De Joseph MR, Alexander JJ. (1993) Effect of Reducing Brain Glutamine Synthesis on Metabolic Symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Neurochem (Mar), 60(3): 1000-1006.
- Alexander JJ. (1993) Alterations in Mitochondrial Branched-chain Amino Acid Metabolism in Brain in Acute Hyperammonemic States. Neuroscience Letters (Jan), 149: 221-224.
- Jessy J, DeJoseph MR, Hawkins RA, Alexander JJ. (1991) Hyperammonaemia Depresses Glucose Consumption throughout the Brain. Biochem J (Aug), 277 (: 693-696.
- Hawkins RA, Jessy J, Alexander JJ. (1991) Hyperammonaemia Does Not Impair Brain Function in the Absence of Net Glutamine Synthesis. Biochem J (Aug), 277 (: 697-703.
- Jessy J, Mans AM, DeJoseph MR, Hawkins RA, Alexander JJ. (1990) Hyperammonaemia Causes Many of the Changes Found After Portacaval Shunting. Biochem J (Dec), 272(2): 311-317.
- Jessy J, Rao VL, Murthy CR, Alexander JJ. (1990) Effects of Partial Hepatectomy on the Enzymes of Cerebral Glutamate and Branched-chain Amino Acid Metabolism. Biochem Int (Jan), 20(1): 107-115.
- Jessy J, Murthy CR, Alexander JJ. (1988) Branched Chain Amino Acid Transaminases in Brain in Methionine Sulphoximine (MSI) Toxicity. Biochem Int (Feb), 16(2): 245-251.
- Jessy J, Murthy CR, Alexander JJ. (1985) Elevation of Transamination of Branched Chain Amino Acids in Brain in Acute Ammonia Toxicity. Neurochem Int (Jan), 7(6): 1027-1031.
Books and Book Chapters:
- Chang A., P. Kadambi and J. J. Alexander. (2006) Encyclopedic Reference of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. In: Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis. Springer Verlag
- Alexander JJ and Hawkins R. (1994) In Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hyperammonemia and Ammonia toxicity. In: Neomycin Reduces the Metabolic Ability of the Small Intestine to Produce Ammonia from Glutamine. Plenum Press
- Alexander JJ. (1989) .Hepatic Encephalopathy. In: Acute Action of Ammonia on Leucine Metabolism in Isolated Astrocytes, Neurons and Oligocells of Rat Brain. Humana Press
- Alexander JJ. (1989) In: Cellular and Subcellular Branched-chain Keto Acid Decarboxylase in Rat Brain and its Response to Hyperammonemia.
- Alexander JJ and Murthy RK. (1987) Biochemical Pathology of Astrocytes. In: Cerebral Cellular Branched-chain Amino Acid Transaminases in Hyperammonemia. Alan R.Liss.
- Alexander JJ and Murthy RK. (1987) In Biochemical Pathology of Astrocytes. In: Acute Effects of Ammonia on the Metabolism of Isolated and Cultured Astrocytes. Alan R. Liss
Abstracts:
- Supriya D. Mahajan, Jessy Alexander. (2025) Role of Complement Activation in HIV Neuropathogenesis Associated with Methamphetamine (METH) Abuse. 2025 NIDA Genetics and Epigenetics Cross-Cutting Research Team Meeting, (Mar)
Professional Memberships:
- International Society of Neurochemistry (2014–present)
- American Association of Immunologists (2010–present)
- American Society of Clinical Investigation (2009–present)
- Complement Society (2005–present)
Presentations:
- "Macrophage-Derived Complement Factor H Restrains Kidney Inflammation and Fibrosis in Immune Complex-Mediated Disease" International complement workshop (2025)
- "“Location matters: the evolving roles of cell-autonomous and local complement”." Co-organizer; ICS Guest Symposium, Annual meeting of the American Association of Immunology. Washington DC (2023)
- "“Complement: An Old Field with new Insights”" Grand Rounds (2022)
- "Bio-STEM Scientific Discovery Series" Bio-STEM Scientific Discovery Series as part of the CLIMB UP/iSEED Summer Research Program (2022)
- "Effective undergraduate research mentoring panel" CSTEP (2022)
- "Intracellular complement and kidney disease." International complement society symposium: Complement: The road less traveled at the American Association of Immunology (2022)
- "Complement and its non-canonical functions" Christian Medical College, Vellore, India (2022)
- "Role of Factor H in macrophages" Toronto Complement Conference (2021)
- "“Complement factor H: A story unfolding”." Seminar, Kidney diseases branch, NIH (2021)
- "Complement Factor H regulates kidney function by modulating macrophages" American Association of Immunology-Virtual conference. (2021)
- "Effective Undergraduate Research Panel" CSTEP program (2021)
- "“Complement and the kidney.”" Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Pittsburg, PA. (2020)
- "Complement and the kidney" Seminar, Wayne State University (2020)
- "“Complement and blood-brain barrier integrity.”" International Society of Neurochemistry/American Society of Neurochemistry (2019)
- "“Complement in health and disease”" Fulbright lecture series, GITAM University (2019)
- "“Understanding the role of complement in CNS lupus towards personalized medicine and drug development”" 5th Meeting on Precision Medicine (2019)
- "A journey with complement & kidney" Women in Science, CTRC, UB (2019)
- "“Complement in health and disease”" University at Buffalo Dental School (2019)
- "1. Complement in the brain during health and disease 2. Complement and blood-brain barrier in lupus 3. Complement in kidney during health and disease 4. Double negative T cells and lupus" Lecture series, Rheumatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India (2019)
- "C5a/C5aR1 signaling alters blood-brain barrier integrity and brain function in systemic lupus erythematosus" European complement-based Drug development summit (2018)
- "“Cultural competence in healthcare”" UB’s First: Living Our Commitment: UB’s Inaugural Summit on Inclusive Excellence” (2018)
- "Lupus and Complement" Section of Nephrology, University at Buffalo (2018)
- "“Complement as a modulator of Neurodegeneration in lupus.”" Dept. of Cell & Molecular Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, (2017)
- "Macrophages and complement-the culprits in glomerulonephritis" "Fueling conversations in Complement", Buffalo, NY (2017)
- "Specific Targeting of Complement Pathways for Clinical Benefit" American Association of Immunology; American Association of Immunology; Complement (2016)
- "Complement and the blood-brain barrier" Interdisciplinary Conversations in Blood-Brain Barrier Re-modelling (2016)
- "Unexpected Roles for Immune Signaling in the Healthy and Diseased Brain" American Society of Neurochemistry (2013)
- "Role of Factor H in kidney disease" Section of Nephrology, University of Chicago (2012)
- "Complement in Hepatic Encephalopathy" I.S.H.E.N. 14th symposium on Hepatic Encephalopathy & Nitrogen metabolism. (2010)
- "Distinct and separable role of FH in chimaeric mice" Dense Deposit Disease; Kidneeds/Wellcome Group (2008)
- "The Complement Cascade: Yin-Yang in Neuroinflammation: Neuro-protection and degeneration" American Society of Neurochemistry (2008)
- "Complement factor H on podocytes serve as immune adherence receptor similar to CR1 in humans" DDD Focus Group, Welcome Trust, UK (2007)
- "Distinct and separable roles of the complement system in factor H- deficient bone marrow chimeric mice with immune complex disease" MPGN Focus Group, Welcome Trust, UK (2005)
- "Complement: Good and Bad" American Society of Neurochemistry (2004)
- "Complement in the brain: New and exciting insights in an old arena of Immunology" American Society of Neurochemistry (2003)
Service Activities:
- webinar by AAI hosted Dr. Marcia McNutt who spoke about State of Science in the US, 2025.; Co-Chair (2025)
- for International complement workshop, Hawaii; Co-Chair for a session called Complement in disease (2025)
- International complement workshop, Hawaii; Co-Chair of firing session (2025)
- American Association of Immunology; Member, Committee on Status of Women (2025–present)
- American Association of Immunology-ICS guest symposium; Organizer (2025)
- 27th Annual UB Resident & Fellow Annual Research Day; Facilitator/poster judge (2025)
- Faculty Council, JSMBS; Secretary (2024–2026)
- AAI-ICS guest symposium "Complement at mucosal and immune-privileged locations"; Organizer (2024)
- NIDDK Spring 2024 (SP24) session; Expert Consultant (2024)
- Immunobiology; Associate Editor (2024–present)
- CLIMB student applications; Reviewer (2024–2025)
- Neuroscience Research day; Facilitator (2023–2024)
- Collegiate Science and Technology entry program: "Effective Undergraduate Research Mentoring"; Panelist (2023–2024)
- AAI-ICS guest symposium 2023 https://www.complement.org/AAI-Guest-Symposium/; Co-organizer (2023)
- Precision Clinical Medicine, Oxford Academic; Editorial Board member (2022)
- Discovery Immunology, Official Journal of British Society of Immunology; Member of Editorial Board (2022–2026)
- Natural Sciences Interdisciplinary Master's program; Steering committee member (2021–present)
- Social justice team, St Pauls Cathedral; Member (2021–present)
- Pastoral care team, St Pauls cathedral; Member (2021–present)
- Frontiers in Immunology; Review Editor (2021–present)
- Vestry, St. Paul's Cathedral, Downtown Buffalo; Member (2021–2023)
- PPBS; Admissions committee member (2021–present)
- Innate Immunity and Inflammation; Standing study section Member (2019–2023)
- Celebration of Scholarship; Judge (2019–present)
- BDCN-E (04): Neurobiology of Brain Degenerative Disorders, Autoimmune Disea;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019)
- Presenter: Bio-STEM Scientific Discovery Series for CLIMB and iSEED undergraduates on career development and research (2019)
- American Association of University Women; 2019-21 Research Publication Grant;; Grant Reviewer (2019–present)
- NIH; Hypersensitivity, Autoimmunity & Immunity Study Section III;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019–present)
- NIH; Innate Immunity Study Section III;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019–present)
- Faculty senate Bylaws committee; Member (2018–2025)
- BDCN-E (04): Neurobiology of Brain Degenerative Disorders, Autoimmune Disea;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
- Presenter: Workshop for CLIMB PhD scholars regarding the importance of Cultural Competency as part of the Professional Development Catalyst (PDC) workshop series (2018)
- American Association of University Women;; Grant Reviewer (2018–2019)
- Search committee for Center for Diversity Innovation Director; Member (2018)
- NIH; Special Emphasis Panel ZRG1 VH-N 80 A, Vascular and Hematology;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
- Wellcome Research Foundation, UK;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
- University of Sharjah, UAE;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
- German Research Foundation;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
- NIH; Anonymization Study by CSR;; Grant Reviewer (2018–present)
- Steering Committee to Study Promotion and Professional Development of Faculty in Qualified Ranks; Member (2018–present)
- UB Faculty Senate Secetary (2017–2022)
- Presenter: Workshop for students regarding the importance of Cultural Competency iSEED students (2017–2018)
- Subcommittee Inclusion & Engagement of International Students Task Force : “Recruitment and Communications Strategy”; Member (2017–2018)
- CSTEP Summer Research Program; Research Symposium Judge (2017–present)
- CLIMB UP Mentor; CLIMB UP Mentor (2016–2025)
- Faculty senate executive committee; Member (2016–2023)
- CSTEP program Mentor; CSTEP program Mentor (2016–2025)
- Medicine Research Day; Judge (2016–2018)
- Grant reviewer: CTSI; Grant reviewer: CTSI (2016–2017)
- Israel Science Foundation;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2016–present)
- MRC England;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2015–2024)
- Ad hoc panel for promotions in Research track; Univ. at Buffalo; Member (2014–2023)
- CLIMB-PRO Mentoring of undergraduates during summer; Mentor (2014)
- NIH; Innate Immunity III;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2014–2016)
- Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Oak Ridge Associated Universities;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2013–present)
- Frontiers in Immunology, J. Neuroinflammation, J. Neurochemistry, Molecular Immunology, Brain Research, etc,; Adhoc Manuscript Reviewer (2010–present)
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, University of Chicago; Member (2009–2013)