J.S. and H.R Blumenthal Memorial Lectureship Series

Since its establishment in 1963, the J.S. and H.R. Blumenthal Memorial Lectureship Series has featured distinguished speakers in the field of allergy and immunology.
This lectureship was founded in honor of Dr. Jacob Solomon Blumenthal, a graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School. After completing his training in Internal Medicine, Dr. Blumenthal developed a keen interest in Allergy and Immunology. He went on to create the Allergy Program at the University, making significant contributions as a clinician, educator, and researcher. Following his death, his family and friends established the lectureship to bring leading experts in Allergy and Immunology to the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Blumenthal's spouse, Hannah Rachel Blumenthal, was also deeply involved with the University, both as an educator and a supporter of the Allergy Program. Her efforts were crucial in the founding of this lectureship. In her honor, and to commemorate their shared contributions, the lectureship was renamed the Jacob Solomon and Hannah Rachel Blumenthal Lectureship in Allergy and Immunology after her passing.
The lectureship has been sustained through the enduring support of Dr. Malcolm Blumenthal, a renowned physician-scientist and allergist, and his spouse, Marsha Blumenthal. Although Dr. Malcolm Blumenthal has since passed away, his and Marsha's commitment to the lectureship's mission has been steadfast, with their family continuing to honor their legacy and support the series in their memory.
62nd Annual Lecture: 2025

Jenny PY Ting, PhD
William R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor, Genetics Co-Director, Inflammatory Diseases Institute Director, Center for Translational Immunology
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
"The Multi-Faceted Roles of Innate Immune Receptors"
April 25, 2025
12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
2-620 Moos Tower
Lunch will be Provided
Dr. Ting’s laboratory has broad interest in the application of cutting edge ideas and technology to the study of disease-relevant issues. Major directions include innate immunity, dendritic cell function, cell death, autophagy, signal transduction, gene discovery, functional genomics and proteomics, nanoparticles, gene regulation, neuro-inflammation and microglial cells. Clinical issues of interest include multiple sclerosis, cancer, autoimmune diseases, biologic therapy, infection and inflammation.