Aron Lukacher

Aron Lukacher, MD, PhD is a Professor in both the Department of Cell and Biological Systems and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine. He maintains significant affiliations with the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), Penn State Cancer Institute, and One Health Microbiome Center.

Dr. Lukacher's research program centers on polyomavirus immunology and pathogenesis, with specific expertise in:

• T cell immunity to polyomavirus infection
• Mouse models of polyomavirus CNS disease
• Immunovirologic determinants of polyomavirus CNS pathogenesis
• MHC Class Ib-Restricted Polyoma Virus-Specific CD8 T Cells
• Polyomavirus immune evasion mechanisms in brain and kidney tissues

His recent publications reveal a sophisticated investigation into T cell migration pathways, particularly examining chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR6 in controlling polyomavirus infections. His work bridges basic virology with potential clinical applications, including antiviral therapeutics like brincidofovir for polyomavirus-related diseases.

Dr. Lukacher has maintained continuous NIH funding for over three decades, with current projects extending through 2026, demonstrating sustained scientific impact in his field.