Andrew Sandstrom

Andrew Sandstrom is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he leads research on molecular immune recognition mechanisms since 2021. His work bridges structural biology and immunology to decipher pathogen detection pathways.

His academic trajectory includes postdoctoral training in the Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis at the University of California Berkeley (2014-2020) and doctoral studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago (2008-2014).

Dr. Sandstrom's research centers on innate immunity with dual emphases: (1) inflammasome activation mechanisms, particularly NLRP1's response to pathogen enzymes through functional degradation, and (2) γδ T-cell recognition via butyrophilin molecules and phosphoantigens. His lab employs structural, biochemical, and cellular approaches to uncover fundamental principles of immune surveillance, with implications for inflammatory diseases and cancer immunotherapy. Current projects investigate fungal gasdermin-like proteins and conformational control of T-cell receptors.

Publication analysis reveals evolving focus from structural biology (aquaporin, 2009) to specialized immune mechanisms. Recent work (2018-2020) demonstrates leadership in inflammasome biology, highlighting NLRP1's activation logic and gasdermin functions. Earlier studies (2011-2014) established foundational insights into γδ T-cell antigen recognition through butyrophilin-3A1 and TCR conformational changes.

The Sandstrom Lab maintains active collaborations and welcomes new partnerships, as evidenced by the lab's public outreach for research involvement and collaboration opportunities. The team investigates molecular pathways through which the immune system detects infection and cellular stress, with ongoing projects featured on their dedicated lab website.