J. Michelle Kahlenberg

J. Michelle Kahlenberg is a physician-scientist and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Medicine. She holds dual appointments in Dermatology and Rheumatology and serves as Vice Chair of Basic and Translational Research in the Department of Internal Medicine. Her clinical focus includes complex lupus management, particularly refractory cutaneous manifestations.

Research Interests: Her work bridges innate immunity, interferon biology, and epithelial dysfunction in autoimmune diseases. Key areas are cutaneous lupus pathogenesis, photosensitivity drivers, and skin-systemic disease connections. She employs single-cell multi-omics and murine models to identify therapeutic targets like the IL-36/IFNK axis, inflammasome regulation, and mitochondrial Z-DNA sensing.

• Interferon Signaling
• Photosensitivity Mechanisms
• Keratinocyte Immunology
• Single-Cell Profiling
• Translational Autoimmunity

Recent Publications emphasize cutaneous immunology, fibrosis, and epithelial-immune crosstalk across lupus, psoriasis, and scleroderma. Articles highlight therapeutic advances (e.g., TYK2 inhibitors) and novel pathogenic networks (e.g., cDC2A-CXCL13+ CD8+ T cell communication).

Scientific Awards:

• 2018 PECASE (Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers)
• 2022 American College of Rheumatology Henry Kunkel Young Investigator Awardee
• 2023 Henry Kunkel Society admission
• Inaugural Giles Boles and Dorothy Mulkey Research Chair in Rheumatology

Training: She mentors students in the Immunology Training Program since 2013 and accepts new advisees. Her lab focuses on trainee development in translational immunology and dermatology research.