Ellis Kim

Ellis Kim’s research focuses on characterizing the role of how immune cells affect heart function. Heart Failure can occur in the setting of relatively normal appearing heart function (called heart failure with preserved function). Chronic inflammation is thought to be one of the main drivers underlying this type of heart failure. Learning the exact mechanism through which immune cells mediate development this form of heart failure would enlighten additional treatment for a disease that has limited treatment options at this time. During her PhD, Kim worked on the defining molecular differences in subtypes of myotonic dystrophies using human stem cell models of these genetic diseases, which are known to affect the heart. As a Northwestern Brinson Medical Research Fellow, Kim’s research is examining immune cell profiles in patients with heart failure.