Kathryn A. Knoop

Kathryn A. Knoop, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology and the Department of Pediatrics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She leads the Early Life Immune Responses Lab, focusing on mucosal immunology and the development of the immune system during infancy.

Her research investigates how maternal factors in breast milk and gut-residing bacteria regulate immune tolerance and prevent inflammatory disorders in early life.

• Maternal regulation of mucosal immunity in offspring
• Induction of oral tolerance during early life
• Bloodstream infections from gut-resident bacteria
• Role of epidermal growth factor in preventing bacterial translocation

Dr. Knoop's work has significant implications for neonatal health, including the prevention of neonatal sepsis and long-term immune disorders. She is affiliated with key research centers at Mayo Clinic, including the Immunology Research Center and the David F. and Margaret T. Grohne Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics Program.

She holds a Ph.D. from Emory University and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Drake University. Dr. Knoop mentors researchers and offers educational opportunities in her lab, contributing to postdoctoral training and research development.

Contact: knoop.kathryn@mayo.edu