
Primary Immune Regulatory Disorder (PIRD) Clinic
The Pediatric Primary Immune Regulatory Disorder (PIRD) Clinic cares for children with complex immune system problems that have a genetic cause. The label PIRD covers a diverse group of rare disorders in which the immune system malfunctions – it is overactive, underactive or doesn’t respond appropriately to challenges.
Depending on the particular genetic mutation, a child with PIRD may develop an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues; hyperinflammation or autoinflammation, in which the immune system overreacts or reacts without cause; severe allergies; or other conditions in which key immune cells aren’t functioning properly. These conditions usually become apparent in the first years of life and they are difficult to treat, leaving patients vulnerable to disability and death.
Our goal at the PIRD Clinic is to change the common course for these diseases. Directed by Dr. Alice Chan, an expert on PIRD, our team of pediatric specialists works to determine the underlying genetic cause of each patient’s condition. Once we have this diagnosis, we can design a therapy that precisely targets the defective immune system pathway. For example, if our genetic testing shows a defect in the gene that makes CTLA4, an important protein for controlling the immune system, we can treat the patient with a drug that delivers this protein.
For some children with PIRD, the best treatment is a stem cell transplant. In these cases, we collaborate with the team at the UCSF Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic. Finding the best option for each child and family is part of our mission to bring the best care to children with PIRD.
Our locations (1)
Our team
-
Alice Y. Chan
MD, PhD
Pediatric allergist, immunologist and rheumatologist -
Morna J. Dorsey
MD, MMS
Pediatric immunologist and allergist -
Kristin A. Shimano
MD
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist -
Sofia Verstraete
MD
Pediatric gastroenterologist -
Emily von Scheven
MD, MAS
Pediatric rheumatologist -
Xin-Hua Chen
LCSW, MSW
Social worker -
Mica Muskat
PNP
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Awards & recognition
-
Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- Immunization record
- List of doctors and locations seen in the past
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Related clinics (4)

Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic
Support services
Clinical trials
Clinical, Imaging, and Endoscopic Outcomes of Children Newly Diagnosed With Crohn's Disease
The achievement of complete healing (CH) 52 weeks after initiation of anti-TNF therapy guided by ROADMAB™ (therapeutic drug monitoring) as evidenced by a composite of all of the following four features below: Endoscopic healing (E...
Recruiting
More about this studyA Study of Mirikizumab (LY3074828) in Pediatric Participants With Crohn's Disease
Clinical response based on PCDAI, and endoscopic response based on SES-CD.
Recruiting
More about this studyA Study of Mirikizumab (LY3074828) in Pediatric Participants With Moderately to Severely or Act...
Recruiting
More about this studyAllergic Disease Onset Prevention Study
Frequency, type, and severity of AEs and SAEs, including AEs of special interest (AESI) as in Appendix 9 (Adverse Events of Special Interest) and Appendix 10 (Adverse Event Grading Scale)
Recruiting
More about this studyA Study of Vedolizumab in Children and Teenagers With Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis (UC...
Clinical remission based on the modified Mayo score is defined as stool frequency subscore 0 to 1 and a decrease of 1 or more from Baseline; rectal bleeding subscore of 0; and, endoscopy subscore 0 to 1 (modified so that a score o...
Recruiting
More about this studyA Study of Vedolizumab in Children and Teenagers With Moderate to Severe Crohn's Disease (CD)
Clinical remission is defined by PCDAI score ≤10. The PCDAI was specifically designed for use in children. The PCDAI includes a child-specific item: the height velocity variable as well as three laboratory parameters: hematocrit (...
Recruiting
More about this studyPersonalized AZithromycin/metronidAZole Therapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease (CD)
Subjects without need for re-induction for clinical flare (new course of nutritional therapy, need to restart steroids), steroid dependence, biologic (e.g. anti-TNF) use, and/or intestinal surgery
Recruiting
More about this studySmell the roses
Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.
