Akiko Iwasaki is a distinguished immunobiologist whose pioneering work has revolutionized our understanding of mucosal immunity and viral pathogenesis. She currently holds Yale University's highest academic honor as a Sterling Professor of Immunobiology and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology while serving as a Principal Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Born in Iga, Japan to a physicist father and a mother who championed women's workplace rights, she initially pursued physics before shifting to immunology during her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. She earned her doctoral degree in immunology from the University of Toronto in 1998 and completed postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health before establishing her research laboratory at Yale University in 2000, where she has built one of the most influential immunology research programs in the world.
Dr. Iwasaki's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of how the immune system defends against viral pathogens at critical mucosal surfaces including respiratory and genital tracts. Her laboratory pioneered the demonstration of tissue-specific properties of dendritic cells and discovered critical pathways by which innate immune recognition of viral infections triggers adaptive immunity, particularly for herpes simplex virus, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. She formulated the innovative prime and pull vaccine strategy now being implemented in clinical trials for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, demonstrating exceptional translational impact from basic science to clinical application. Her development of mucosal vaccines and insightful research on immune responses to viral pathogens have established new paradigms in vaccine design and significantly influenced global approaches to pandemic preparedness.
Beyond her laboratory research, Dr. Iwasaki has provided exceptional leadership as the 2023-2024 president of the American Association of Immunologists and through her influential investigations into the immunopathology of long COVID. Her scientific mentorship has cultivated the next generation of immunologists, with numerous former trainees establishing successful independent research careers. Recognition through election to the National Academy of Sciences (2018) and the National Academy of Medicine (2019); there is no evidence of election to the National Academy of Engineering and inclusion in TIME 100 Most Influential People reflects the extraordinary impact of her contributions to immunological science and public health. Dr. Iwasaki continues to lead cutting-edge research exploring the complex interplay between viral infections and immune responses while developing innovative therapeutic strategies against post-viral conditions that affect millions worldwide.
