Yuko Ohta

Dr. Yuko Ohta serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she conducts pioneering research in comparative immunogenetics with focus on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) evolution across vertebrate species.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.A. in Pharmaceutical Science from Nagoya-City University (1986)
• M.S. in Pharmaceutical Science from Nagoya-City University (1988)
• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science from Nagoya-City University (1991)
• Exchange Student at Tampa Bay Research Institute (1989)
• Research Associate at University of South Florida, Department of Pediatrics (1991)
• Post-Doctoral Fellow at University of Miami School of Medicine (1995)
• Post-Doctoral Fellow at University of Maryland School of Medicine (1998)

Dr. Ohta's research program investigates the evolutionary origins of adaptive immunity through genomic analysis of sharks and Xenopus. Her work has uncovered primordial linkages in the MHC architecture, discovered novel B7 family costimulatory molecules, and demonstrated conservation of NKp30 receptors across 450 million years of evolution. Current projects examine VJ-type and C1-type immunoglobulin superfamily domains to elucidate origins of cellular immunity and antigen receptor systems.

Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on immune gene evolution from cartilaginous fish to mammals, utilizing comparative genomics to reconstruct ancestral 'proto-MHC' structures. Her work spans genome sequencing, molecular immunology, and evolutionary biology, with significant contributions to understanding conserved immune mechanisms.

Professional recognition includes:

• AAI Junior Faculty Travel Grant at 98th AAI annual meeting (USA) (2011)

Dr. Ohta has taught graduate, dental, and medical students since 2003 with emphasis on foundational concepts before advancing to complex topics. Her sustained research funding is evidenced by extensive publications in high-impact journals including Nature and Science, though specific grant details aren't provided in source materials.

Her laboratory utilizes shark and Xenopus models to study immune system evolution, with collaborative contributions to major genomic projects including the Xenopus laevis and elephant shark genome sequencing initiatives.