David Baltimore

Research Statement

AI generated · May 18, 2026

David Baltimore’s indexed research primarily investigates the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation and viral replication. His foundational work includes the discovery of viral RNA-dependent DNA polymerase in RNA tumor viruses, a finding that fundamentally altered the understanding of genetic information flow. Much of his highly cited output centers on the NF-κB transcription factor family, including research into the induction of microRNA miR-146 as an inhibitor of innate immune signaling and the critical role of NF-κB in preventing TNF-α-induced cell death. These senior-authored contributions, which have collectively earned thousands of citations, clarify how cells respond to external stimuli and maintain survival under stress. The researcher’s broader portfolio extends into the structural biology of DNA binding and the development of molecular tools. He has contributed significantly to identifying the helix-loop-helix dimerization motif in immunoglobulin enhancer and myc proteins, as well as characterizing the specific inhibition of NF-κB by the IκB protein. His work also bridges basic science and clinical relevance, evidenced by the production of high-titer helper-free retroviruses via transient transfection for gene delivery and the modeling of leukemia induction in mice using the bcr/abl gene. Together, these outputs reflect a career-long focus on the regulatory circuits governing immunology, virology, and cancer biology.

Most Cited Works

Alternative mRNA splicing in cancer immunotherapy

Luke Frankiw, David Baltimore, Guideng Li

Nature reviews. Immunology2019

270Citations

Non-viral precision T cell receptor replacement for personalized cell therapy

Susan P Foy, Kyle Jacoby, Daniela A Bota, Theresa Hunter, Zheng Pan, Eric Stawiski, Yan Ma, William Lu, Songming Peng, Clifford L Wang, Benjamin Yuen, Olivier Dalmas, Katharine Heeringa, Barbara Sennino

Research Areas

Virus-based gene therapy researchViral Infections and Immunology ResearchImmune Cell Function and InteractionT-cell and B-cell ImmunologyMonoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Res

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Sources

Research Statement

Most Cited Works

Alternative mRNA splicing in cancer immunotherapy

Non-viral precision T cell receptor replacement for personalized cell therapy

Research Areas

Functional TCR T cell screening using single-cell droplet microfluidics

T cell antigen discovery via trogocytosis

T cell antigen discovery via signaling and antigen-presenting bifunctional receptors