Rajita Pappu
Senior Scientist, Immunology Discovery
"The collaborative and science driven environment at Genentech is unparalleled. This enables us to identify and translate novel biological processes into potential therapeutics for the treatment of life-threatening diseases."
I joined Genentech in 2007 as a scientist in Immunology Discovery after finishing my postdoctoral training at UCSF where I studied the role of Sphingosine-1-phosphate in immunity and vascular development. I was drawn to Genentech because of the high caliber of science and the collaborative environment. These qualities foster creativity and teamwork that is integral to drug discovery.
Postdoctoral Mentor
The postdoctoral program at Genentech provides an excellent opportunity to do cutting-edge research and learn about drug discovery first-hand. The highly collaborative nature of research at Genentech allows postdocs to engage in cross-functional projects, enabling training that encompasses multiple scientific disciplines.
Featured Publication
My laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular and cellular pathways that promote inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Within this context we are concentrating on three main areas of research. We are interested in understanding how stromal cell-leukocyte interactions shape immune responses. In particular we have focused on epithelial derived cytokines such as IL-33 and IL-17 family members and their pathogenic properties. Additionally, we are studying how stromal cell -derived signals govern leukocyte migration into inflamed tissues.
We are also investigating what factors regulate ER stress in leukocytes, and how this process contributes to autoimmunity. We use a combination of molecular, cellular, and genetic technologies to interrogate these questions.
- Washington University , PhD Immunology – 2000
- University of California, Berkeley , B.A. Molecular Cell Biology – 1994
- Spencer T. Olin Award – 2000