Larry Steinman

Lawrence Steinman is a prominent neurologist, neuroimmunologist, and professor at Stanford University. Here are some key details about his background and career:

Academic Career

Dr. Steinman is a Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Pediatrics, and Genetics at Stanford University.12 He joined the Stanford faculty in 1980 after completing his residency there in pediatric and adult neurology.1 From 2003 to 2011, he served as Chair of Stanford's Interdepartmental Program in Immunology.2

Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its mechanisms of relapse and remission
• Molecules that inhibit brain inflammation
• Developing vaccines for autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and neuromyelitis optica2

Major Contributions

Dr. Steinman has made significant contributions to the field of neuroimmunology:

• He was a senior author on a seminal 1992 Nature article that identified the role of α4 integrin in brain inflammation, leading to the development of the MS drug Natalizumab (Tysabri).12
• He has developed two antigen-specific therapies using DNA vaccines for MS and type 1 diabetes.2
• His work has helped elucidate how the Epstein-Barr virus triggers MS.1

Awards and Honors

Dr. Steinman has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• John Dystel Prize from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2004)
• Charcot Prize for Lifetime Achievement from the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies (2011)
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences (2015)
• Election to the National Academy of Medicine12

Entrepreneurship

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Steinman has been involved in the biotech industry:

• Co-founded several companies, including Neurocrine Biosciences, Bayhill Therapeutics (now Tolerion), and Atreca
• Holds numerous patents in immunology and therapies for MS, Huntington's disease, and type 1 diabetes12

Dr. Steinman's work has significantly advanced our understanding of autoimmune diseases, particularly MS, and has led to the development of new therapies that have improved the lives of many patients.