Ian R. Rifkin

Ian R. Rifkin, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, with joint appointments in the Department of Medicine (Nephrology) and Virology, Immunology & Microbiology. He serves as a Primary Mentor for graduate students and is affiliated with the Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research and the Genome Science Institute. His laboratory investigates the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus-associated atherosclerosis using mouse models and human clinical samples.

Education:

• MBBCh, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
• PhD, University of Cambridge, England
• MSc, University of London

Research Focus: Dr. Rifkin's work centers on innate immune mechanisms in SLE, particularly Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in dendritic cell activation. His lab also studies premature atherosclerosis in lupus patients, exploring novel therapeutic targets through collaborations with industry partners like Sanofi and Merck.

Publication Trends: Rifkin's recent articles (2015–2025) emphasize molecular immunology in SLE, nephrology, and atherosclerosis. Key themes include IRF5's role in autoimmunity, TLR signaling, and translational applications in kidney disease and tele-nephrology. His work bridges basic science (mouse models, cell signaling) and clinical research (biomarkers, therapy development).

Grants & Collaborations: He leads multiple NIH-funded projects (e.g., R01AI130199 on IRF5 in SLE) and industry collaborations (Visterra, Chugai, Sanofi). His lab focuses on immune complex-mediated inflammation and transcriptomics in glomerulonephritis.

Laboratory: The Rifkin Lab investigates dendritic cell activation by nucleic acid autoantigens and lupus-specific risk factors for atherosclerosis, employing in vivo and in vitro approaches to identify therapeutic strategies.