Holger Russ

Holger Russ, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida's Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, within the College of Medicine. He leads research focused on regenerative medicine strategies for type 1 diabetes (T1D), particularly using human pluripotent stem cells to model disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic interventions. His lab investigates pancreatic beta-cell biology, immune tolerance, and thymic organoid engineering to address autoimmune aspects of T1D.

Dr. Russ teaches advanced pharmacology courses (e.g., PAS5026, GMS6560) and directs a lab that combines stem cell technology, genome engineering, and immunology. Recent work includes developing inducible expression systems for stem cells, cryopreservation strategies for beta cells, and nanocapsule drug delivery targeting pancreatic cells.

His research emphasizes translational approaches, such as engineering immune-protected beta cells and exploring thymic organoids to modulate T-cell tolerance. Key themes in his publications include beta-cell maturation, immune system interactions, and overcoming barriers in cell therapy transplantation.

Dr. Russ has secured grants from NIH-NIDDK, JDRF, and industry partners (e.g., Tolerance Bio, Immunocore) to advance beta-cell replacement therapies and immunomodulatory strategies. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to translate discoveries into treatments for autoimmune diabetes.