Hugh Auchincloss (immunologist)

Hugh Auchincloss (born 1948) is an American immunologist and surgeon who has made significant contributions to the field of transplantation immunology. He is currently the Associate Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Principal Deputy Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Early life and education

Auchincloss was born in 1948. He completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he developed an interest in biology and medicine. He then attended Harvard Medical School, earning his MD degree in 1974. Following his graduation, he completed a residency in surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Career

Auchincloss began his career as a research fellow at the Surgical Research Laboratory at Harvard Medical School. His research focused on the immune response to organ transplantation, particularly the role of T cells in transplant rejection.

In 1986, he joined the faculty of the Harvard Medical School as an Assistant Professor of Surgery. He was later promoted to Professor of Surgery in 1996. During his tenure at Harvard, Auchincloss made significant contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms of transplant rejection and tolerance.

In 2006, Auchincloss was appointed as the Associate Director of the NIAID and the Principal Deputy Director of the NIH. In these roles, he oversees the institute's research programs and initiatives in allergy, immunology, and infectious diseases.

Research

Auchincloss's research has focused on the immune response to organ transplantation. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms of transplant rejection and tolerance. His work has led to the development of new strategies for inducing immune tolerance in transplant recipients, reducing the need for long-term immunosuppression.

Awards and honors

Auchincloss has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of transplantation immunology. These include the American Society of Transplantation's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Thomas E. Starzl Prize in Surgery and Immunology.