Dr. Warren Strober is a preeminent scientist and leader in the field of mucosal immunology with decades of distinguished service at the National Institutes of Health. He currently serves as Senior Investigator in the Mucosal Immunity Section within the Division of Intramural Research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Strober earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed his internship and residency at Strong Memorial Hospital, establishing the foundation for his remarkable career in immunological research. Throughout his tenure at NIH, he has held significant leadership positions including NIAID deputy scientific director and interim scientific director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, demonstrating his broad impact across multiple research domains.
Dr. Strober's pioneering research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of mucosal antibody responses, oral tolerance, and the immunological mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal diseases. His groundbreaking discoveries concerning the mucosal immune system have formed the very basis of current knowledge regarding IgA B cell development and the mechanisms driving mucosal inflammation. A particularly significant contribution involved his investigation of the NOD2 gene, where he demonstrated that impaired NOD2 function leads to dysregulated immune responses against native gut bacteria, resulting in the chronic inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease. This critical insight directly contributed to the development of ustekinumab, now marketed as Stelara®, which has become an important therapeutic option for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Dr. Strober's exceptional contributions to immunology and gastroenterology have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Gastroenterological Association and the Public Health Service Distinguished Achievement Medal. His leadership extends beyond his own research through his service as chair of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and as president of the Society for Mucosal Immunity, where he has shaped the direction of these critical fields. As a dedicated mentor, he has guided numerous scientists including Dr. Ivan Fuss, who has continued his work on cytokine dysregulation in inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Strober remains actively engaged in advancing our understanding of mucosal immunity, with ongoing research focused on elucidating the complex interplay between the immune system and gut microbiota to develop more targeted therapies for immunologically mediated gastrointestinal disorders.
