Thomas P. Burke

Thomas P. Burke, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding how intracellular bacterial pathogens interact with host immune systems, particularly in tumor microenvironments, to develop novel cancer therapies. Key areas include leveraging cytosolic pathogens like Listeria, Rickettsia, and Burkholderia to synergize with STING and TLR signaling pathways for enhanced anti-tumor effects.

His work highlights the synergy between microbial therapies and innate immune agonists, with applications in immunotherapy. Notable contributions include uncovering mechanisms by which pathogens evade host defenses (e.g., ubiquitylation, autophagy) and their role in modulating tumor immunity. Burke’s research also addresses the molecular basis of bacterial virulence, including effector proteins (e.g., RickA) and metabolic dependencies.

Grants: NIH F31 CA228381 (cancer immunotherapy). Conflicts of interest include co-founding Bactonix Biotechnologies, Inc., which may commercialize his research findings.