Carla Vanina Rothlin, PhD, newly named as Dorys McConnell Duberg Professor of Immunobiology, studies the mechanisms that regulate the magnitude and resolution of the immune response.
Rothlin is also a professor of pharmacology, a member of the Yale Cancer Center, and a Howard Hughes Faculty Scholar. She co-directs a laboratory with Sourav Ghosh, associate professor of neurology and pharmacology. Their laboratory has identified the function of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinases in the negative regulation of the magnitude of the immune response. They have also discovered the importance of the immune system’s detection of dying cells in the induction of tissue repair responses. Their studies shed light on mechanisms that can help understand how inflammation can be regulated and resolved to promote repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. This can have significant implication in the understanding and treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Rothlin studied biochemistry and pharmacy at the University of Buenos Aires, where she also earned her doctorate. She began her research career at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (San Diego). In 2009, Rothlin joined the faculty at the Yale School of Medicine as an assistant professor of immunobiology. She was appointed director of graduate studies in immunobiology in 2018.
Rothlin’s contributions have been recognized by numerous professional organizations, such as the PEW Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, the American Asthma Foundation, the Lupus Research Alliance, the Rainin Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Her laboratory has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health.