Mari L. Shinohara

Mari L. Shinohara is Professor of Integrative Immunobiology at Duke University School of Medicine, where she also holds professorships in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology. She serves as Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Immunology and is a member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and the Duke Cancer Institute.

Education & Training: While specific degrees are not detailed in the provided text, Dr. Shinohara’s extensive publication record and senior faculty status indicate advanced training in immunology and molecular biology.

Research Overview: The Shinohara Lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that balance protective immunity against pathogens with the prevention of autoimmunity. Using cutting-edge mouse models of multiple sclerosis (EAE), fungal infections, and graft-versus-host disease, the lab focuses on:

• Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) in macrophages and dendritic cells
• Osteopontin (OPN) isoforms in immune regulation
• Neuro-immune interactions in the CNS during infection and autoimmunity
• Alveolar macrophage heterogeneity and lung immunity
• Inflammasome biology in astrocytes and microglia

Scientific Awards & Honors: While no personal awards are listed, her trainees have received prestigious recognitions such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

Advising & Grants: Dr. Shinohara has mentored numerous PhD students to successful defense, including Jeremy Ratiu, William Barclay, and Elizabeth Deerhake. Her lab is supported by active federal and foundation grants, though specific grant numbers are not disclosed here.

Laboratory & Resources: The Shinohara Lab is located in the Jones Building on Duke’s Research Drive, with access to core facilities through the School of Medicine and the Office of Biomedical Graduate Education.