John M. Routes

Dr. John M. Routes is a Professor and Chief in the Division of Allergy within the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is also a member of the Center for Immunology and the Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine. With over three decades of experience in immunology research and clinical practice, Dr. Routes has established himself as a leading expert in primary immunodeficiency diseases.

His educational background includes a BA with highest distinction from Indiana University-Bloomington (1973-1977) and an MD with Highest Distinction from Indiana University School of Medicine (1977-1981). He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals (1981-1984), followed by dual fellowships in Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1985-1989) and Infectious Diseases (1989-1990) at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, University of Colorado.

Dr. Routes' research program focuses on primary immunodeficiency diseases, particularly severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). His work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms (including T cell signaling and X chromosome inactivation) to clinical applications (such as newborn screening programs and management of pulmonary complications). He has been instrumental in implementing Wisconsin's statewide newborn screening program for SCID, which has significantly improved early detection and intervention for this life-threatening condition.

His recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate continued productivity and engagement with current challenges in the field, with research on X-chromosome inactivation in T cells, COVID-19 vaccination in immunodeficient patients, and diagnostic approaches for interstitial lung disease in immunodeficiency disorders. These works frequently appear in high-impact journals including Science Immunology, Journal of Clinical Immunology, and The Lancet.

• Chair, NIH Study Section on Investigations on Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
• Past President, Clinical Immunology Society
• Active participant in USIDNET and Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium

Dr. Routes' clinical work focuses on diagnosing and managing complex immunodeficiency cases, with particular expertise in patients with granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD). His research bridges basic science with clinical practice, contributing significantly to both the understanding of immunological mechanisms and the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with primary immunodeficiencies.