Tiantian Liu

Dr. Tiantian Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). Her research focuses on understanding the gene regulatory networks governing the development of Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs), particularly dendritic cell subsets, and their roles in T cell-mediated immunity. She employs genetically engineered mouse models to dissect the specialized functions of APCs in combating pathogens while maintaining immune homeostasis. Her long-term goals include developing novel vaccines and therapies targeting infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.

Dr. Liu earned her B.S. (2010) and Ph.D. (2016) in Biology/Cell Biology from Wuhan University, China. Before joining TSRI in 2025, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship (2016–2023) and served as an Instructor (2023–2025) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, working in Dr. Kenneth Murphy’s laboratory.

Her research integrates immunology, developmental biology, and molecular genetics to uncover how APC subsets regulate T cell responses. Key areas of investigation include enhancer-driven gene regulation in immune cells, lineage-specific developmental pathways, and translational applications for immune modulation. She is actively recruiting graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with expertise in immunology, molecular biology, and cell signaling.