Barry R. Bloom

Biography

Dr. Barry Bloom is recognized as a pioneer in the field of global health. Trained in immunology, he has made important contributions to infectious diseases, vaccines and global health policy. His lifelong commitment has been to bring knowledge and methods of cutting edge basic science to alleviating the burdens of disease in developing countries. His research has been primarily focused on the immunology and pathogenesis of leprosy and of tuberculosis, which remains the largest cause of death from an infectious disease, with 9.6 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths per year. His research first established that lymphocytes and not macrophages had specificity for antigens, that living cells were required for mediating transfer of delayed-type hypersensitivity, and that activated T cells released a new category of non-antibody proteins, now known as cytokines, which mediate cell mediated immune responses. His work established a mechanism by which immune responses to antigens of the leprosy bacillus lead to demyelination and nerve damage. His laboratory defined necessary immune responses for protection against tuberculosis in animal models and established the molecular mechanisms by which mouse, and later in collaborations, by which human macrophages carry out their antimicrobial activity against M. tuberculosis and other intracellular pathogens. This is a vitamin-D dependent pathway mediated by antimicrobial peptides. In collaboration, he developed the first genetic system in mycobacteria and has contributed to the development of new vaccine candidates against tuberculosis. He has been a strong advocate for the importance of vaccines as the most cost-effective intervention to prevent death and disease in developing countries. Dr. Bloom has published more than 350 articles, edited 7 books, and continues to provide commentary on current issues in public and global health.

Research Interest

Experimental Biology Human Genetics Immunology