Aaron Weinberg

Overview

Aaron Weinberg is a tenured Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, where he also serves as Associate Dean for Research. He holds secondary appointments in the Department of Pathology and Proteomics & Bioinformatics Core at the School of Medicine, and is a member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center's Population and Cancer Prevention Program.

Education

• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Master of Arts, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Bachelor of Arts, George Washington University

Research

Dr. Weinberg's work focuses on innate immune responses in mucosal epithelia, particularly the role of human beta-defensins (hBDs) in defending against pathogens like HIV, bacteria, and fungi. His lab discovered that hBDs have both antimicrobial and immunoregulatory properties, including anti-HIV activity. Current projects include:

• Screening oral commensal bacteria (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum) that induce hBD expression to protect mucosal surfaces.
• Investigating defensins' role in oral cancer initiation/progression via collaborations with the CWRU/UH Cancer Center.
• Developing hBD-based strategies for prophylaxis and immune modulation.

His NIH-funded Program Project explores mucosal immune dysfunction in HIV+ populations (2009-2015), with ongoing support for defensin biomarker research and AMP-inducing factors.

Awards & Honors

• 2002: Elected Member, Omicron Kappa Omicron National Honor Society
• 1988: 2nd Place, Edward H. Hatton Competition (International Association for Dental Research)
• 1991: NIH National Research Service Award

Teaching & Mentorship

Teaches oral microbiology/immunology courses (DENT 516) and mentors junior faculty in research. Active in professional societies like the American Society for Microbiology and International Association for Dental Research.

Grants & Collaborations

Leadership on NIH grants totaling over $14M, including a Program Project Grant (P01) and multiple R01/R56 awards. Collaborates across disciplines within CWRU and with international partners like Taipei Medical University.

Labs & Teams

Directs the Weinberg Lab, part of the School of Dental Medicine's Biological Sciences Department. Integrates clinical insights with molecular/cellular biology to address oral diseases and host defense mechanisms.