Thomas Murooka, PhD

Dr. Thomas Murooka conducts research aimed at understanding how pathogens affect immune cell behavior and function, with direct implications for combating infectious diseases. His laboratory utilizes advanced microscopy techniques to delve into the regulation of cell-to-cell communication among immune cells within healthy tissues and investigates changes in these dynamics during infections. By uncovering the spatiotemporal dynamics of the immune system, Dr. Murooka strives to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for both preventing and treating infectious diseases. His research is generously supported by grants from CIHR, Research Manitoba, CanCURE Enterprise 2.0, and the University of Manitoba.

Research Interests

• Studying how pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites, alter immune cell migration and function.
• Investigating mechanisms underlying the persistence of Leishmania major in vivo.
• Exploring how cell-cell interactions contribute to maintaining HIV-1 latency in T cells.

Research Groups

• Canadian HIV Cure Enterprise (CanCURE)
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
• American Association of Immunology (AAI)
• Canadian Society of Immunology (CSI)

Brief bio

Dr. Thomas Murooka is an associate professor of Immunology at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He earned his PhD in Immunology from the University of Toronto and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, specializing in advanced microscopy techniques for imaging cellular behaviors in living tissues. His research focuses on understanding how pathogens modulate immune cell migration and function, with the ultimate goal of informing novel approaches to combat infectious diseases. Dr. Murooka's work is supported by grants from CIHR, Research Manitoba, CanCURE Enterprise 2.0, and the University of Manitoba.

Cross-appointments

• Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Education

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (2009-2014)
• PhD in Immunology, University of Toronto, Canada (2002-2008)
• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Canada (1997-2002)
• Fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Pediatrics (1986)
• Doctor of Medicine, University of Manitoba (1982)
• Bachelor of Science in Medicine, University of Manitoba (1982)

Awards

2017

• University of Manitoba Excellence in Graduate Teaching

2018

• CSI Junior Investigator Travel Award
• CSI-ICI Junior Investigator Travel Award

2020

• University of Manitoba Excellence in Graduate Teaching