معرفی
Craig B. Wilen, MD, PhD, serves as an Associate Professor in both Laboratory Medicine and Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. He holds dual appointments as Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine (primary tenure) and Associate Professor on Term in Immunobiology. Dr. Wilen also serves as Medical Director of the Immune Monitoring Core Facility and is affiliated with multiple Yale research centers including the Center for Infection and Immunity, Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Human and Translational Immunology Program, and Yale Cancer Center.
Dr. Wilen's educational background includes an AB in Biology and Economics from Washington University in St. Louis (2006), followed by combined MD/PhD training at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (PhD 2011, MD 2013). He completed residency training in Clinical Pathology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis (2016) and conducted postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Herbert 'Skip' Virgin at Washington University School of Medicine.
His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions of RNA viruses, particularly coronavirus and norovirus. Dr. Wilen discovered CD300lf as the first receptor for norovirus and identified intestinal tuft cells as the physiologic target cell for mouse norovirus infection. Current work in the Wilen Lab investigates mechanisms of immunity and pathogenesis for noroviruses, coronaviruses, and pre-emergent viruses with pandemic potential. His research employs cutting-edge approaches including genome-wide CRISPR screens, animal models, and human tissue studies to understand viral entry, immune evasion, and pathogenesis.
Analysis of Dr. Wilen's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals consistent focus on viral pathogenesis mechanisms across multiple RNA virus families. His work bridges basic virology with translational applications, examining viral receptors, host immune responses, and potential therapeutic interventions. The publications demonstrate strong collaborative networks across Yale and with external institutions, particularly in the areas of norovirus persistence mechanisms and coronavirus host interactions.
- Young Faculty Award 2024 from DARPA
- Odyssey Award 2023 & 2022 from Smith Family Foundation
- Young Physician-Scientist Award 2021 from American Society for Clinical Investigation
- Robert E. Leet and Clara Guthrie Patterson Trust Mentored Research Award 2020
Dr. Wilen leads an active research program through the Wilen Lab at Yale School of Medicine, where his team investigates viral pathogenesis and immunity. As Medical Director of the Immune Monitoring Core Facility, he oversees critical infrastructure for immunological research at Yale. His laboratory maintains strong connections with clinical departments while pursuing fundamental questions about how viruses interact with host cells and immune systems. The lab's work has significant implications for developing improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for viral diseases.
