Michael N. Starnbach

Michael N. Starnbach is a Professor of Microbiology at Harvard Medical School and holds a Tutor position in the MCB Board of Tutors at the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on host immune responses to intracellular pathogens, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis.

• Key research areas:
  • Immune evasion by Chlamydia
  • Role of T cells in infection
  • PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in pathogenesis
  • Adjuvant development using pore-forming proteins

Recent research trends emphasize pathogen manipulation of host immune checkpoints, dendritic cell biology, and cross-protective immunity. His work bridges microbial pathogenesis, immunology, and vaccine design.

Grants:

• R21AI178272 (2023–2025): Identifying Chlamydia factors mediating PD-L1 upregulation
• U19AI113187 (2014–2019): Co-PI for STI prevention center

Collaborations include networks with Ulrich von Andrian (HMS), Darren Higgins (HMS), and teams at the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. His publications span journals like Cell, Science, and Journal of Immunology.