Metabolism, Infection and Immunity (MINI) Section

Peter McGuire, M.S., M.B.B.Ch., is the head of the NIH MINI Section, which studies the interplay between metabolism and the immune system through a translational research program involving patients with inborn errors of mitochondrial metabolism. The group studies two aspects of immunometabolism: 1) the effects of immune system activation on end-organ mitochondrial metabolism; and 2) the role of mitochondria in immune cell function.

Throughout his career, Dr. McGuire has been focused on improving the care of patients with disorders of mitochondrial metabolism. By combining his training in immunology and biochemical genetics, he fashioned a translational research program to understand the interplay between mitochondrial metabolism and the immune system

Eliza Gordon-Lipkin, M.D., is the lead study clinician, caring for patients while at the NIH and conducting coordinating follow-up with their referring physicians. 

She has longstanding research experience in infection and immune function in people with neurodevelopmental disorders, including those with mitochondrial diseases.

Dr. Gordon-Lipkin has completed residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in neurodevelopmental disabilities and is board certified in pediatrics and child neurology.

Shannon Kruk, R.N., B.S., is the research nurse and patient coordinator for the study.  She works with patients and families as they navigate the research process.  She coordinates patient care visits with the goal of meeting the unique needs of each participant.  

Shannon has years of experience advocating for pediatric patients and their families participating in clinical research trials as a staff nurse, research nurse, and clinical nurse educator.  

Areas of expertise include mitochondrial disease, rare disorders including genetic, immune, and endocrine disorders, pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant.