Jennifer Totonchy

Dr. Jennifer Totonchy is an Associate Professor at Chapman University School of Pharmacy, specializing in Immunology and Virology. Her research focuses on Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) infection mechanisms in human tonsil lymphocytes and synovial macrophage polarization in inflammatory joint diseases.

Her work combines

• Molecular Biology of viral entry and host signaling
• Flow Cytometry for immune cell phenotyping
• Pharmacological studies on PRG4's anti-inflammatory effects

to develop immunotherapeutic paradigms.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding KSHV tegument proteins in B lymphocyte infection and PRG4 regulation of synovial fibrosis. She has received the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research K99/R00 award and maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions.

Scientific awards include

• K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2014)

Her laboratory investigates viral-host interactions and synovial immunopathology, with applications in oncology and rheumatology.