Overview
The Luftig laboratory studies viruses that cause cancer with an overarching goal of defining the basic molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and leveraging these findings for diagnostic value and therapeutic intervention. Our work primarily focuses on the common herpesvirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus latently infects virtually all adults worldwide being acquired early in life. In the immune suppressed, EBV promotes lymphomas in the B cells that it naturally infects. However, EBV can also infect epithelial cells and other lymphocytes contributing to human cancers as wide-ranging as nasopharyngeal and gastric carcinoma to aggressive NK/T-cell, Burkitt, and Hodgkin lymphomas. Overall, EBV contributes to approximately 2% of all human cancers worldwide leading to nearly 200,000 deaths annually.
We use cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary and highly collaborative approaches to characterize the temporal dynamics and single cell heterogeneity of EBV infection. With these strategies, we aim to discover fundamental molecular circuits underlying transcriptional control, viral manipulation of host signaling pathways, and metabolic regulation that collectively influence infected cell fate decisions. By understanding the nature of viral control of infected host cells, we are also well positioned to discover vulnerabilities in EBV-associated diseases and characterize new therapeutic interventions in cell-based and pre-clinical animal models.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2023 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Vice-Chair in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2017 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Medicine
·
2023 - Present
Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy,
Medicine
Professor of Integrative Immunobiology
·
2023 - Present
Integrative Immunobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor in Cell Biology
·
2024 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2007 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Incorporation of Epstein-Barr viral variation implicates significance of Latent Membrane Protein 1 in survival prediction and prognostic subgrouping in Burkitt lymphoma.
Journal Article Int J Cancer · June 1, 2025 Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a role in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) tumorigenesis, it is unclear if EBV genetic variation impacts clinical outcomes. From 130 publicly available whole-genome tumor sequences of EBV-positive BL patients, we used least abs ... Full text Link to item CiteEarly multiple sclerosis activity associated with TBX21+CD21loCXCR3+ B cell expansion resembling EBV-induced phenotypes.
Journal Article JCI Insight · May 13, 2025 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection precedes multiple sclerosis (MS) onset and plays a poorly understood etiologic role. To investigate possible viral pathogenesis, we analyzed single-cell expression in peripheral B cells from people with early MS collected ... Full text Link to item CiteFatty acid desaturases link cell metabolism pathways to promote proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells.
Journal Article PLoS Pathog · May 2025 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma herpesvirus that infects up to 95% of the human population by adulthood, typically remaining latent in the host memory B cell pool. In immunocompromised individuals, EBV can drive the transformation and rapid proliferati ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
The Duke Preparing Research scholars In bioMEdical sciences (PRIME): Cancer Research Program
ResearchPreceptor · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2023 - 2028Defining and exploiting EBV-infected cell heterogeneity in non-Hodgkin lymphomas
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2022 - 2027Medical Scientist Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Harvard University ·
2003
Ph.D.