James Zimring

James Zimring, M.D., Ph.D. serves as the Thomas W. Tillack Professor of Experimental Pathology within the Department of Pathology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. His clinical expertise focuses on Blood Bank pathology, where he applies his extensive research knowledge to practical clinical settings.

Dr. Zimring's research program centers on the complex interplay between red blood cell biology and immunology, with particular emphasis on:

• Alloimmunity mechanisms in transfusion and transplantation
• Oxidant stress biology in health and disease
• Red blood cell metabolism and survival pathways
• G6PD deficiency and its evolutionary implications for malaria resistance
• Antibody responses to blood group antigens
• The mysterious mechanism of action of anti-D (RhoGAM)

His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding why some patients become 'responders' versus 'non-responders' to blood group antigens, the phenomenon of antigen-loss/modulation in incompatible transfusions, and the fundamental biology of red blood cell survival under oxidative stress. His work frequently employs sophisticated murine models developed in collaboration with colleagues including Dr. John Luckey and Dr. James Gorham.

Dr. Zimring's significant contributions include:

• Research challenging conventional wisdom about incompatible blood transfusions
• Investigations into the paradoxical relationship between G6PD deficiency and malaria resistance
• Studies on the evanescence of alloantibodies over time
• Development of novel approaches to understanding immune tolerance in transfusion contexts

At UVA, Dr. Zimring collaborates with a synergistic group of researchers focused on red blood cell biology, including Dr. Goldfarb, Dr. Gorham, and Dr. Luckey, creating what he humorously refers to as 'an agglutination of RBC talent and interest' dedicated to advancing transfusion medicine and red blood cell immunology.