Assistant Professor
Department of Laboratory Medicine
University of California San Francisco
Principal Investigator
Ari Molofsky received a BS in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas in 1999 and completed his MD/PhD at the University of Michigan in 2007. His graduate thesis work explored macrophage recognition and response to intracellular pathogens, including work that helped define how inflammasomes recognize intracellular bacterial flagellin and induce pyroptotic cell death. Dr. Molofsky continued his training at the University of California San Francisco, completing a clinical pathology residency and a post-doctoral fellowship with Dr. Richard Locksley. His post-doctoral work helped elucidate the role of type 2 allergic immune cells in adipose tissue metabolism, including how eosinophils, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, regulatory T-cells, and the cytokine IL-33 control adipose tissue metabolism and protect against metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes. He established an independent research group at UCSF in 2015 with an appointment in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and affiliations with the UCSF Immunology Program and Diabetes Center.
Dr. Molofsky’s research lab is focused on the impact of tissue-resident lymphocytes in normal tissue development, remodeling, and the initiation of pathology. The Molofsky lab studies how resident lymphocytes such as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) and regulatory T cells (Treg) are supported at tissue niches, using a combination of advanced microscopy, genetic tools, and transcriptomics. The lab has been studying the cellular sources and regulation of the cytokine IL-33, which potently activates ILC2 and Treg, in systemic metabolic function, allergic lung disease, and neurodevelopment. They are also exploring how resident lymphocytes interact and compete at tissue niches to determine immunologic outcomes. In addition to the Milstein Young Investigator award, Dr. Molofsky is the recipient of the Larry L. Hillblom Young Investigator Award, a career development award from the NIDDK, and a UCSF New Frontiers Research Award.
Dr. Rathinam received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Madras Veterinary College, India and PhD from Michigan State University in 2009.
Dr. Sonnenberg completed his doctoral research training at the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine in 2011, focusing on mucosal immunology.
