University of Iowa Pathology

08/21/2026

A new study from the lab of Ashutosh Mangalam, PhD and researchers at the College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa and UIowa Immunology Graduate Program reveals that an inflammatory molecule linked to multiple sclerosis could change the disease by not only by acting on immune cells, but also by reshaping the bacteria living in the gut.

These findings raise the possibility that future microbiome-directed approaches could complement therapies targeting inflammatory pathways by promoting beneficial bacteria and strengthening regulatory immune responses.

Read more about the study on our website:

Mangalam lab discovers how an inflammatory signal reshapes the gut microbiome to influence neuroinflammation.

08/12/2026

Give a warm Iowa welcome to our newest faculty additions!

Drs. Aaron Amundson, Allen Choi, and Muhammad Shaheen have joined us as Clinical Assistant Professors and Kimberly Fiock, PhD, QBRS as Research Assistant Professor.

08/05/2026

B cells are a key player in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and therapeutic depletion of B cells has become an effective treatment option for people with MS. Classic MS models are B cell-independent, limiting potential discoveries of pathogenic B cell phenotypes and functions that could lead to novel treatments.

Co-first authors Mohan Kumar, BS and Experimental Pathology PhD student Connor Wilhelm, MS of a recently published review highlights and discusses the approaches research groups have taken to engage pathogenic B cell function in MS models. The Boyden lab specializes in such models and has recently developed a unique B cell-dependent, antibody-independent version that lab members are leveraging to better understand B cells’ role in CNS autoimmunity.

Read the full review in Journal of Immunology: https://doi.org/10.1093/jimmun/vkag163

07/30/2026

Are throwback Thursdays still a thing? Apparently photos from at least 20 years ago, but less than 100, are considered "vintage", so enjoy these "vintage" photos of our medical laboratory science and technology cohorts.

07/23/2026

Luis Perez, patient care technician in University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Center, is June's Helping Hands Award recipient!

During a recent procedure, Luis assisted with a visibly nervous patient and answered any questions the patient had in Spanish, which is the patient's second language. Luis made sure the patient was comfortable with snacks, drinks, and warm blankets, and explained what was going to happen in the procedure. He even stayed past his scheduled shift and didn't leave until the patient was visibly calmer and happier.

Having team members like Luis reminds us that going the extra mile can make all the difference in patient. care. We're proud to have you on our team, Luis!

07/19/2026

We couldn't let summer pass by without recognizing this year's summer research interns.

This remarkable group of students have been working hard the past several months on various projects with our research labs to gain valuable experience for their future careers- whether that be research, clinical, or genetic counseling. We're thankful they chose to spend their summer with us and are excited to see where their careers take them. Now on to fall semester!

07/14/2026

Our Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory is a central hub for neuropathology research, education resources, and services. One of these services includes brain donation, an extraordinary gift that allows our researchers to better understand the ways in which diseases develop, confirm or reveal important findings and answers for families, and educate the next generation of scientists.

Brain donation is completely free for patients of University of Iowa Health Care. Learn more on our website: https://inrl.lab.uiowa.edu/donor-information

07/06/2026

Donations slow down in the summertime. Consider donating at any of our DeGowin donation drives this July!

Donate with DeGowin this July! We have several blood drives scheduled and we have our usual hours at the center!

07/05/2026

Congratulations to our faculty on their recent promotions, effective July 1, 2026. These promotions reflect the dedicated service they have shown throughout their careers and to their colleagues, trainees, and to the department.

• Amani Bashir, MBBS promoted to Clinical Professor
• Melissa Blessing, DO promoted to Clinical Associate Professor
• Jonathan Davick, MD promoted to Clinical Associate Professor
• Munir Tanas, MD promoted to Professor with Tenure

07/01/2026

A new discovery from the research laboratories of John Harty, PhD and Vladimir Badovinac, PhD, led by Madison Mix, PhD, found that peripheral vaccination can generate brain residing T cells with the capacity to defend against brain tumors.

The study shows how various immunization strategies, including mRNA vaccines can elicit tumor specific T cell responses in the brain that provide long lasting anti-tumor immunity in models of metastatic and primary brain tumors.

Read the full article in Journal of Clinical Investigation: https://www.jci.org/articles/view/197812