Ann V. Griffith

Ann V. Griffith, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), where she maintains an active research laboratory focused on thymic immunology and aging.

Education

• Ph.D., University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 2006

Research Focus

Dr. Griffith's laboratory pioneers investigations into the lymphopoietic stromal microenvironment of the thymus, utilizing innovative computational deconvolution approaches to map stromal gene expression without cell isolation. Her work addresses critical mechanisms of age-induced thymic atrophy and its consequences for T cell development, vaccine responsiveness, and immunodeficiency. Key research thrusts include:

• Stromal cell biology in steady-state thymus function
• Dysregulation of T cell development and tolerance during aging
• Strategies for retaining and restoring thymic function to extend healthspan

Affiliations & Academic Roles

She actively contributes to UT Health San Antonio's graduate education through the M.S. in Immunology & Infection and Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology & Microbiology programs, mentoring students in thymus biology research. Her laboratory employs spatial mapping techniques to overcome historical challenges in studying rare stromal cells, positioning her work at the intersection of immunology, computational biology, and gerontology.