John Harris

John Harris, MD, PhD, is the Chair and Professor of Dermatology at UMass Chan Medical School, where he holds the Lambi and Sarah Adams Chair in Genetic Research. He holds additional appointments in Immunology and Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Graduate, and MD/PhD programs at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His clinical practice includes a specialty vitiligo clinic where he treats patients and collects research samples.

Education

• BS in Premedicine from Gordon College
• MD from University of Massachusetts Medical School
• PhD in Molecular Medicine from University of Massachusetts Medical School

Research Focus

Dr. Harris's laboratory investigates vitiligo pathogenesis through four integrated approaches: (1) a validated mouse model showing epidermal depigmentation, (2) humanized mouse models with patient-derived tissues, (3) clinical samples from vitiligo patients, and (4) active clinical trials. Key discoveries include the identification of the IFN-γ/CXCL10 axis as central to T-cell recruitment and melanocyte destruction, and characterization of stress signals from melanocytes that activate innate immunity.

His translational research program bridges basic immunology with therapeutic development, including JAK inhibitors and siRNA-based therapies targeting autoimmune pathways in the skin.

Publication Trends

Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on clinical trials of novel vitiligo treatments (ruxolitinib, upadacitinib), advanced molecular profiling of skin inflammation, and mechanistic studies of T-cell function in autoimmunity. Work consistently integrates human tissue analysis with preclinical models to validate therapeutic targets.

Laboratory & Clinical Programs

Dr. Harris leads an active research group studying immune-skin interactions through molecular, cellular, and clinical approaches. The lab develops innovative models including humanized mice with autologous skin grafts and uses real-time T-cell tracking technologies. His clinical trial program tests novel agents identified through mechanistic studies, including recent Phase 3 trials of ruxolitinib cream.