Greg Lemke, PhD, is a neuroscientist who used molecular genetics to study signaling networks that control immune system function and nervous system development.

Profile

Lemke discovered a family of receptor tyrosine kinases, called TAM receptors, which play a crucial role in telling immune cells how to handle normal cellular debris and infections of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. His work showed how problems with the TAM receptors or their pathways are associated with drug-resistant cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

He also revealed that microglia, the immune sentinels of the brain, require TAM receptors to detect and respond to growing amyloid plaques during Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurodegeneration.

In addition, Lemke discovered a mechanism by which viruses such as influenza, West Nile, and dengue fever evade the body’s immune response and infect humans. A substance called phosphatidylserine, located on the surfaces of these notorious “enveloped” viruses, directly activates TAM receptors to prevent the immune system from launching a response. The finding could lead to new antiviral drugs that block the interaction.

Lemke is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was recognized with a Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award, Rita Allen Scholars Award, Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award from the March of Dimes, and Pew Scholar Award.

He earned his bachelor of science degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his PhD at the California Institute of Technology. He received his postdoctoral training at Columbia University.