Zerra Lab

The Zerra lab integrates hematology and immunology to transform the treatment landscape for sickle cell disease and hemophilia A. Our goal is to identify predictive biomarkers and to develop targeted, life-saving therapeutics that allow for earlier intervention and significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with chronic blood disorders.

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common severe inherited blood disorders worldwide, impacting about 3 million individuals. A single point mutation causes sickle-shaped red blood cells, which result in painful vaso-occlusive episodes, chronic and acute organ damage, and life-threatening infections. We are working to identify factors contributing to underlying disease severity and immune dysregulation, and to develop novel therapeutics. 

At Emory, we care for the largest population of pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease in the country, providing the perfect opportunity to blend clinical care with biological discovery.

Hemophilia A is a severe congenital bleeding disorder characterized by a lack of coagulation protein Factor VIII (FVIII). This results in bleeding episodes, with the mainstay of treatment being FVIII replacement therapy. About 30% of patients develop antibodies, or inhibitors, against life-saving FVIII, which renders it ineffective and leaves patients with limited therapeutic options. We have mapped out immune populations and pathways responsible for inhibitor formation and are developing targeted therapeutics to prevent their development.

Dr. Zerra’s unique clinical expertise offers a distinctive vantage point for understanding how the immune system interacts with blood-borne therapies.

Patricia E. Zerra, MD
Assistant Professor,
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics,
Emory University School of Medicine

E-mail Dr. Zerra | Faculty Profile

Dr. Zerra obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology at Connecticut College, followed by two years as a research technician at Boston Children’s Hospital. She then earned her MD at Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, followed by completion of a pediatrics residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. Dr. Zerra moved to Atlanta in 2014 and completed Pediatric Hematology & Oncology fellowship at Emory University/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, followed by an additional Transfusion Medicine fellowship.

She is a physician-scientist at Emory University School of Medicine, providing care to pediatric patients with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. She serves as Principal Investigator of her research lab, which integrates hematology and immunology and is dedicated to translating clinical bedside challenges into laboratory breakthroughs.