Takeshi Saito

Takeshi Saito, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of innate immunity in liver diseases, particularly viral hepatitis and metabolic liver disorders. He leads the Saito Laboratory, which bridges clinical hepatology and basic science, employing advanced in vitro and in vivo models such as humanized-liver chimeric mice and clinical specimens.

Education & Training:

• MD and PhD: Showa University School of Medicine
• Internal Medicine Residency: Showa University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan)
• Gastroenterology-Hepatology Fellowship: Showa University Hospital
• Postdoctoral Training: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Virology) and University of Washington (Immunology)

Research Interests: Dr. Saito’s work explores viral-host interactions, innate immune responses to hepatotropic viruses (HBV, HDV, HCV), metabolic influences on liver disease, and macrophage immunobiology. His lab develops therapeutic strategies for end-stage liver diseases using cell biology, pharmacology, and bio-engineering approaches.

Key Achievements & Awards:

• 2024: Elected Member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI)
• NIH Grants (NIAAA, NIAID, NIDDK) and industry funding
• Recipient of multiple awards, including the WAFMR Outstanding Investigator Award and Baxter Foundation Faculty Fellow Award

Grants & Funding: His laboratory is supported by federal grants (NIH R21AA031412, R01AI179019) and industry partnerships, including PhoenixBio R&D Grant.

Labs & Affiliations:

• Saito Laboratory at Keck School of Medicine
• USC PIBBS (PhD Training Program)
• KMC of USC (Clinical Affiliation)