The immune system responds to viral infections by introducing a complex interplay of immune cells and factors, whose goal is to eliminate the intruding pathogen. One such effector cell in the antiviral response is the Natural Killer (NK) cell, which secretes inflammatory cytokines and directly kills infected cells. The focus of our research is aimed at defining the signals that NK cells require to mount an effective immune response against pathogens. We are also exploring the regulatory mechanisms keeping NK cells in check, thereby safeguarding against potential autoimmunity.
Joseph Sun, PhD
Associate Professor
Research Focus
Immunologist Joseph Sun investigates the natural killer cell response against infection and cancer.Education
PhD, University of Washington- Office Phone: 646-888-3228
- Office Fax: 646-422-0452
- Lab Phone: 646-888-3237
Lab Members
Graduate Student
Research Fellow
Graduate Student (IMP Program)
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Graduate Student
Research Technician
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Administrative Assistant
Associate Member
- Lau CM, Adams NM, Geary CD, Weizman O, Rapp M, Pritykin Y, Leslie CS, Sun JC. 2018. Epigenetic control of innate and adaptive immune memory. Nat Immunol. 19:963-972.
- Adams NM, Lau CM, Fan X, Rapp M, Weizman O, Geary CD, Diaz-Salazar C, Sun JC. 2018. Transcription factor IRF8 orchestrates the adaptive natural killer cell response. Immunity. 48:1172-1182.
- American Cancer Society Research Scholar (2017)
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigator in Infectious Disease (2016)
- Boyer Young Investigator Award for Basic Research (2015)
- Geoffrey Beene Junior Faculty Chair (2014)
- AAI Pfizer-Showell Early Career Investigator Award (2012)
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- Searle Scholar Award (2011)
- Cancer Research Institute Investigator Award (2011)
