Scientis, at Georgia Dermatopathology Assocaites, United States .
Dr. Ana María Abreu Vélez is a distinguished Colombian-American physician-scientist renowned for her contributions to dermatology, immunology, and public health. As the Scientific and Laboratory Director at GDA in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Scientific and Public Health Director for the Orphan Autoimmune Blistering Response Program in Colombia, she has dedicated over three decades to advancing medical research and healthcare delivery. Dr. Abreu Vélez’s pioneering work in endemic pemphigus foliaceus, particularly in El Bagre, Colombia, has led to the identification of novel disease variants and autoantigens. Her extensive publication record, including over 140 peer-reviewed articles, underscores her commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. Fluent in English and Spanish, with proficiency in Portuguese and French, she bridges cultural and linguistic gaps in global health initiatives. Her leadership in clinical trials, laboratory diagnostics, and public health programs has earned her recognition as a leading expert in autoimmune and tropical diseases.
Professional Profile
Scopus
ORCID
🎓 Education
Dr. Abreu Vélez’s academic journey is marked by rigorous training and specialization. She earned her M.D. from the Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud (CES) in Medellín, Colombia, where she also completed a dermatology residency. Her pursuit of advanced knowledge led her to obtain a Ph.D. in Biomedical Health Science and Immunology from the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Antioquia. She further honed her expertise through postdoctoral fellowships in immunodermatology and molecular biology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, in clinical trials compliance and research at the Medical College of Georgia, and in oncology at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute. These academic endeavors provided her with a robust foundation in clinical research, immunology, and dermatological sciences, enabling her to contribute significantly to medical science and public health.
💼 Experience
Dr. Abreu Vélez boasts a multifaceted career encompassing clinical practice, research, and public health leadership. As the Scientific and Laboratory Director at GDA in Atlanta, she oversees critical laboratory operations and research initiatives. Her role as the Scientific and Public Health Director for the Orphan Autoimmune Blistering Response Program in Colombia reflects her commitment to addressing neglected tropical diseases. With over 29 years of experience, she has led numerous clinical trials, managed extensive research grants, and developed public health programs at local, national, and international levels. Her work with tribal communities in Colombia’s jungles highlights her dedication to underserved populations. Dr. Abreu Vélez’s expertise spans immunodermatology, molecular biology, and clinical diagnostics, and she has served as a peer reviewer for over 500 scientific publications, underscoring her standing in the medical research community.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Abreu Vélez’s research interests are deeply rooted in immunodermatology and the pathogenesis of autoimmune blistering diseases. Her groundbreaking studies on endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, have unveiled new disease variants and autoantigens, such as desmoplakins I-II, epiplakin, periplakin, and MYZAP. She has developed novel diagnostic tools, including a 45 kD desmoglein ectodomain ELISA, enhancing disease detection and understanding. Her work extends to exploring the interplay between environmental factors, like mercury and cyanide exposure, and genetic predispositions in disease manifestation. Additionally, she investigates the role of neural receptors and cell junction proteins in autoimmune responses. Her research not only advances scientific knowledge but also informs public health strategies for managing and preventing autoimmune diseases in endemic regions.ResearchGate
🏆 Awards
Dr. Abreu Vélez’s contributions to medicine and public health have garnered significant recognition. She has been honored for her innovative research in autoimmune dermatological diseases and her dedication to improving healthcare in underserved communities. Her leadership in establishing clinical, epidemiological, and public health programs in Colombia and the United States has been particularly lauded. Her work has led to the identification of new disease variants and the development of novel diagnostic tools, earning her accolades from both academic institutions and public health organizations. Her commitment to mentoring emerging scientists and her extensive peer-review work for prestigious journals further underscore her standing in the scientific community.
📚 Top Noted Publications
Dr. Abreu Vélez has an extensive publication record, with over 140 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters. Her notable works include:
📌 1. New complex cell junctions in and around the intervertebral discs discovered using autoantibodies from patients affected by endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Publication Date: Sep 2024
Summary:
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Explores a novel finding where autoantibodies from El Bagre endemic pemphigus foliaceus (El Bagre-EPF) patients help identify previously undetected complex cell junctions in intervertebral discs.
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Suggests a possible link between autoimmune skin diseases and systemic or spinal connective tissues.
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Introduces implications for neurological and rheumatological autoimmune cross-reactivity.
📌 2. Immunofluorescence findings in a reactivating lichenoid photoallergic chronic dermatitis (actinic reticuloid)
Publication Date: Aug 2024
Summary:
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Uses direct immunofluorescence (DIF) to investigate actinic reticuloid, a chronic sun-sensitive dermatitis mimicking cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
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Key finding: specific lichenoid immunofluorescent patterns in photodistributed lesions during reactivation.
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Highlights photosensitive immune mechanisms and possible diagnostic markers.
📌 3. Drug reaction, cyclooxygenase 2, and alteration on lymphatics
Publication Date: Jul 2024
Summary:
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Investigates how certain drug reactions involve COX-2 expression and lymphatic endothelial damage.
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Links nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications to lymphatic pathway disruptions, possibly influencing immune cell trafficking and inflammation.
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Highlights a vascular-immune interface in adverse drug responses.
📌 4. Metals and metalloids as binding antigens in a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Publication Date: May 2024
Summary:
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Explores the role of environmental metals/metalloids (e.g., mercury, gold, arsenic) as potential triggers or binding antigens in a variant of El Bagre-EPF.
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Suggests haptenization mechanisms where metals bind to proteins, altering immunogenicity.
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Emphasizes environmental exposure and geoepidemiology of autoimmune blistering diseases.
📌 5. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis induced by medications displaying colocalizing lesional deposits for CD15, myeloperoxidase and HLA-DPDQDR: A Yin and Yang?
Publication Date: Oct 2022
Summary:
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Analyzes cases of drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) showing co-localization of immune markers: CD15 (granulocytes), MPO (neutrophils), and HLA-DPDQDR (MHC class II).
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Suggests a dual immune role (Yin and Yang) involving both innate and adaptive immunity in vasculitic lesions.
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Highlights complex immune-pathogenic pathways triggered by certain medications.
Conclusion
✅ Dr. Ana María Abreu Vélez is an outstanding and highly distinguished candidate for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award. Her record combines high-impact scientific discovery, long-term humanitarian service, transdisciplinary leadership, and international collaboration. Her work has directly improved diagnostics, clinical care, and scientific understanding in neglected areas of medicine.
Her candidacy embodies the spirit of the award—a visionary researcher who not only expands the frontiers of science but also translates that knowledge into real-world impact. With minor refinements, her dossier would be among the most compelling in any international competition.