Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology

Jeffrey Rathmell, PhD. (photo by Donn Jones)
March 3, 2025

Jeffrey Rathmell named to leadership role in cancer research at the University of Chicago

Rathmell has been named chair of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research and director of the Ludwig Center at the University of Chicago, effective July 1.

By Bill Snyder
February 26, 2025

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine fifth in the nation in NIH research funding

The NIH is the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research. VUSM, which received $586 million in direct and indirect NIH grant support in FY24, has been among the top 10 recipients of NIH funding among U.S. medical schools for nine of the past 15 years.

By Bill Snyder
This year’s awardees are, from left, Stokes Peebles, MD, Ravi Shah, MD, John Gore, PhD, and Jeffrey Davidson, PhD. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
February 14, 2025

VUMC honors four translational scientists

Translational research brings discoveries from the laboratory and preclinical studies to clinical trials and studies in humans.

By Bill Snyder
February 6, 2025

Mahlon Johnson, former Vanderbilt pathologist whose story was featured on ‘60 Minutes,’ dies at 70

Dr. Johnson was performing an autopsy in 1992 when his hand slipped and he sliced through his protective gloves. He cut his finger and infected himself with AIDS.

By Wayne Wood
February 3, 2025

Digital pathology aims to unlock secrets hidden in tissue samples

The pilot project, which is expected to digitize 500,000 slides over three years, aims to open avenues for research, assist with access to whole-slide images for education and clinical meetings (of tumor boards, for example), and facilitate planning for the implementation of digital pathology for diagnostic purposes. 

By Leigh MacMillan (video by Erin O. Smith and Donn Jones)
January 23, 2025

Eric Skaar wins National Academy of Sciences award

Skaar, who directs the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, is being recognized for “pioneering work at the intersection of nutrition and infectious diseases.”

By Leigh MacMillan
December 12, 2024

Go inside the lab as Maddie Wright, a CF warrior, ‘geeks out’ over the science of Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories 

A 17-year-old cystic fibrosis warrior and liver transplant recipient with antibiotic resistance got to see science in action at Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories.
By Jessica Pasley and Erin O. Smith
November 19, 2024

Eleven Vanderbilt scientists among world’s ‘highly cited’ researchers

The list recognizes both the scientific achievements of individual scientists and “their profound impact on tackling broader societal challenges.”
By Bill Snyder
November 15, 2024

Zinc deficiency promotes Acinetobacter lung infection: study

The study findings point to the potential of interleukin-13 antibodies — approved for use in humans — as a treatment to protect against bacterial pneumonia in patients with zinc deficiency.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 4, 2024

James Crowe Jr. honored for his innovative research on human antibodies

Crowe and his colleagues have developed cutting-edge technologies to isolate and study antiviral antibodies.
By Bill Snyder
September 20, 2024

VUMC method tracks down rare, broadly reacting antibodies: study

The discovery, reported in the journal PLOS Pathogens, could help open the door to the development of effective vaccines and antibody therapies with an “exceptional breadth of pathogen coverage.”
By Bill Snyder
September 20, 2024

Fever drives enhanced activity, mitochondrial damage in immune cells

The mechanistic understanding of how cells respond to heat could explain how chronic inflammation contributes to the development of cancer.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 4, 2024

Bacterial metabolism plays role in staph antibiotic tolerance

Staph is a leading bacterial cause of death from bloodstream, bone and joint infections, in part because of high rates of antibiotic treatment failure.
By Leigh MacMillan