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Amir Horowitz
Assistant Professor of Oncological Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Professional Background
Amir Horowitz is a distinguished researcher in the field of immunology, with a specific focus on the functional consequences of genetic variation in immune system genes. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Horowitz has made significant contributions to our understanding of Natural Killer (NK) cells and their pivotal roles in both health and disease. His innovative work has been instrumental in advancing our knowledge of immunogenetics, particularly concerning human HLA and KIR genes, as well as their complex interactions with NK cell function and disease outcomes.
Dr. Horowitz's career is marked by a wealth of experience gained through various prestigious positions. He served as a Senior Research Scientist at the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, where he cultivated his expertise in immunology and infectious diseases. His early research endeavors at Stanford University School of Medicine included roles as a Research Scientist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, where he pioneered the first studies on human NK cells using mass cytometry (CyTOF). This groundbreaking work revealed a vast array of phenotypic diversity and functions in NK cells that are influenced by individual HLA class I and KIR genetic backgrounds.
Throughout his career, Dr. Horowitz has worked diligently to create a rich interplay between major disciplines such as immunogenetics, infectious diseases, immune-oncology, autoimmunity, and reproductive immunology. His commitment has led to remarkable discoveries regarding the education of NK cells and their implications in microbial infections, vaccination responses, and hematopoietic cell transplantation for treating hematologic tumors.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Horowitz's academic journey is as impressive as his research career. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the renowned London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. His rigorous graduate studies laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the field and reflect his dedication to advancing our understanding of immunology.
Following his Ph.D., Dr. Horowitz continued his education as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where he delved deeper into immunology, genetics, immune-oncology, structural biology, computational biology, and epidemiology. This comprehensive training has equipped him with a multidimensional perspective on the immune system and its interactions with various diseases.
His Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Plant Pathology/Phytopathology and Plant Genetics from Cornell University provided him with a solid foundation in scientific inquiry and research methodology, further enriching his approach to immunological research.
Notable Achievements
Among Dr. Horowitz's most notable achievements is his pioneering research involving the characterization of NK cells through mass cytometry. His studies have not only contributed to the identification and understanding of NK cell subsets but have also elucidated their unique activities and potential therapeutic applications. His work on adaptive NK cells has shed light on how they respond to microbial infections and the crucial role they play post-vaccination and post-transplant.
Dr. Horowitz has been at the forefront of research that bridges the complex conversations among immuno-genetics, immunity, and disease pathology. By examining the correlations between HLA & KIR immunogenetics and NK cell functionality and disease outcomes, he has expanded the horizons of immunotherapeutic exploration, propelling advancements in the treatment of immunological disorders and cancers. His focus on the evolution of NK cells also highlights their adaptability and therapeutic leverage in modern medicine. Additionally, his integration of computational biology into immunological studies underscores a commitment to innovative, data-driven methodologies in understanding gene-disease relationships.
Dr. Horowitz continues to inspire both scientists and students alike with his dedication to research and education, as he endeavors to cultivate the next generation of researchers in the field of immunology. His role at Icahn School of Medicine not only allows him to teach but also to engage in collaborative efforts that can lead to significant advancements in the biomedical sciences.
In summary, Amir Horowitz's robust background in immunology, his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, and his achievements in groundbreaking research make him a leading figure in the study of immune system genetics and the functionalities of NK cells. His work illustrates the importance of understanding genetic diversity in immunology, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and enhancing our grasp of complex immune responses.