Martin F. Flajnik

Martin F. Flajnik is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on the evolution of the immune system, particularly the origins of adaptive immunity in vertebrates. Using comparative approaches across species like sharks, amphibians, and lampreys, his laboratory investigates fundamental mechanisms of antigen recognition, MHC evolution, and immune diversification.

Education:

• B.S. from Pennsylvania State University (1978)
• M.S. and Ph.D. from University of Rochester (1979, 1983)
• Postdoctoral training at Basel Institute for Immunology (1983-1988)

Research Interests: Dr. Flajnik's work integrates immunology, evolutionary biology, and genomics to understand how adaptive immunity emerged in jawed vertebrates. Key areas include: 1) The molecular basis of antibody/T cell receptor diversity, 2) Conservation of mucosal immunity across species, 3) MHC gene organization and coevolution, and 4) Immune adaptations in ancient vertebrates like sharks and lampreys.

Publication Trends: His recent articles (2010-2016) predominantly explore immune system evolution through comparative genomics, structural analyses of antigen recognition, and investigations into primordial immune mechanisms. Recurring themes include MHC gene conservation, RAG transposon origins, and convergence in antibody evolution across distant species.

Awards & Honors:

• GPILS Teacher of the Year (2008)
• NIH 'Immunological Guru' plenary speaker (2010)
• Keynote speaker at Johns Hopkins Immunology Retreat (2009)
• Wall of Fame Teaching Award, UMB (1999)
• Multiple plenary lectures at international immunology congresses