Overview
I am a classically trained virologist with a focus on molecular mechanisms of RNA virus pathogenesis. My career is dedicated to unraveling RNA virus:host relations and devising methods of exploiting them for cancer immunotherapy and vaccine design. My background is in translation regulation and mRNA metabolism, viral RNA sensing and innate immunity, and cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Basic mechanistic research in my laboratory is supporting an ambitious clinical translational research program with active multi-center clinical trials in several cancer indications.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Cless Family Distinguished Professor in Neuro-Oncology
·
2023 - Present
Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology,
Neurosurgery
Professor of Neurosurgery
·
2016 - Present
Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology,
Neurosurgery
Professor in Medicine
·
2016 - Present
Medicine, Infectious Diseases,
Medicine
Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2016 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
1999 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Scholarly Works
Viral Microglia Reprogramming Clears Oligomeric Neurotoxic Debris.
Preprint · April 8, 2026 Full text Link to item CiteLymphotropic Virotherapy Induces DC and High Endothelial Venule Inflammation, Promoting the Antitumor Efficacy of Intratumor Virus Administration.
Journal article Cancer Immunol Res · February 3, 2026 Tumor-draining lymph nodes are a pivotal site for antitumor T-cell priming. However, their mechanistic roles in cancer immune surveillance and immunotherapy response remain poorly defined. Intratumor (IT) virotherapy generates antitumor T-cell immunity thr ... Full text Link to item CiteSupplementary Figure S5 from Lymphotropic Virotherapy Induces DC and High Endothelial Venule Inflammation, Promoting the Antitumor Efficacy of Intratumor Virus Administration
Other · February 3, 2026 <p>Supplementary Figure S5. PVSRIPO is shed in phosphatidyl-serine enriched vesicles from A375 melanoma cells (extended data relating to Figure 4G).</p> ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Innate immune memory for glioma immunotherapy
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2026 - 2031Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2026 - 2031Pharmacological Sciences Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030View All Grants
Education
University of Hamburg (Germany) ·
1992
M.D.