Robert Kalejta

Robert Kalejta is a Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with affiliations in the Institute of Molecular Virology, the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, and the Madison Virology Program. His research focuses on the molecular biology of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), particularly mechanisms of latency, reactivation, immune evasion, and host cell manipulation.

Research Interests: Dr. Kalejta's lab investigates how HCMV establishes lifelong infections by modulating host chromatin structure, intrinsic immunity, and cell cycle progression. Key areas include the roles of viral proteins pp71, UL97, and UL138 in regulating viral gene expression, immune signaling, and cellular pathways. His work bridges virology, epigenetics, immunology, and cancer biology.

Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight a strong focus on viral immune evasion (e.g., STING pathway inhibition), epigenetic regulation of viral promoters, and the dual roles of host factors like ATRX during infection. There is a consistent emphasis on molecular mechanisms of latency and reactivation, with increasing integration of host DNA damage responses and chromatin dynamics.

• Section Editor, DNA Viruses, PLoS Pathogens (2024)
• Promotion to Full Professor (2014)

Advising and Grants: Dr. Kalejta mentors numerous graduate students and postdocs, many of whom have received prestigious NIH F31 and F32 fellowships. His lab has been continuously funded through competitive grants, supporting research on HCMV pathogenesis. He emphasizes training, inclusion, and collaborative science. Notable former trainees include Emily Albright, Jeong-Hee Lee, Shelby Lyon, and Ryan Walter.

Laboratory and Team: The Kalejta Lab fosters an inclusive, supportive environment committed to diversity and scientific excellence. Located in the Microbial Sciences Building, the lab is part of a vibrant virology community at UW–Madison. The team actively engages in outreach and collaborates with other virology labs, including the Terhune and Ahlquist groups.