Marc Jenkins, PhD

Marc Jenkins has had an illustrious career in immunology, marked by significant contributions to our understanding of T-cell biology. A native of Minnesota, Marc embarked on his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Minnesota (UMN) in 1980. Following his undergraduate degree, Marc did doctoral research at Northwestern University, where he worked with Stephen Miller on delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Marc's postdoctoral training under Ronald Schwartz at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was transformative for the field of immunology. During this period, he demonstrated the critical importance of a costimulatory signal for T cells to achieve full activation and avoid a state of anergy, a term used to describe T-cells rendered unresponsive to antigen stimulation. This discovery fundamentally reshaped the prevailing understanding of T-cell activation mechanisms, paving the way for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms governing T-cell activation and immune tolerance.

Since joining the faculty of the University of Minnesota's Microbiology Department in 1988, Marc's research has been marked by significant contributions to the field of immunology, particularly in the realm of CD4+ T cell biology. His research endeavors have been instrumental in unraveling the complexities of immune responses and shedding light on critical mechanisms underlying T cell activation and memory formation. His work has been instrumental in identifying key receptors like CD28, which play crucial roles in modulating T cell activation and function, elucidating the mechanisms underlying T cell responses to antigens in the body. His group at the University of Minnesota showed that antigen-specific CD4+ T cells first become activated in the central part of lymph nodes, then migrate to B cell-rich follicles and non-lymphoid organs, and documented the cellular changes that produce immune memory.

Currently, Jenkins' research focuses on unraveling the mechanisms underlying CD4+ T cell activation, memory cell formation, and immune protection. By leveraging insights from basic immunology discoveries, he aims to develop strategies for improving vaccine efficacy and preventing undesirable immune responses, such as transplant rejection and autoimmunity. Through his work, Jenkins continues to advance our understanding of the immune system, with the ultimate goal of translating these insights into clinical applications that benefit human health.

Throughout his career, Jenkins has been honored with prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to immunology, including the Pew Scholar Award, the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Meritorious Career Award, the AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award, and the AAI Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a past President of the AAI and a member of the inaugural class of AAI Distinguished Fellows.

In 2020, Jenkins achieved another milestone by being elected to the National Academy of Sciences, a testament to the significance and impact of his research. Notably, he became the first faculty member from the UMN Medical School to receive this honor in 50 years, underscoring his exceptional standing in the scientific community.

Beyond his scientific endeavors, Jenkins enjoys various hobbies such as bicycling, fishing, supporting Minnesota sports teams, and spending time with his grandchildren, showcasing his well-rounded personality and interests outside of the laboratory.