As an RNA biologist-turned-immunologist, my lab studies the role of RNA processing in macrophage activation and antibacterial immunity. My lab is a vibrant, supportive and collaborative space that values diversity, creativity, and hard work.
My name is Kristin Patrick, Ph.D. I am currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Where did you do your training?
I did my Ph.D training in Microbiology at Yale University, where I worked on mechanisms of RNA interference in African trypanosomes with Chris Tschudi and Elisabetta Ullu. From there, I continued my work in RNA processing at UCSF, working with Christine Guthrie on the interplay between chromatin remodeling and pre-mRNA splicing in fission yeast. During my postdoc, I became fascinated by the idea that cells need to refunctionalize RNA processing machineries to adapt to cellular stress. My independent research program probes this question by marrying my background in RNA biology with newfound expertise in macrophage activation and innate immunity.
Briefly, what is your research about?
As our first line of defense against pathogens, macrophages play a crucial role in establishing an antimicrobial cytokine milieu. To effectively fight pathogens without risking harmful immunopathology, the macrophage innate immune response needs to be exquisitely well-timed and tempered. My research program explores the role of RNA processing in tuning innate immunity at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We are particularly interested in how RNA binding proteins are specialized (relocalized and post-translationally modified) following pathogen sensing to shape the macrophage transcriptome and proteome.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
I did not train as an immunologist, so I’ve been keen to seek out opportunities to meet people in the field and learn broadly about different aspects of immunity. Of all the meetings I’ve been to, I found the annual Cytokine Society meeting provides a great balance of innate and adaptive immunity (with a sprinkle of host-pathogen interactions), in a friendly, accessible format.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
We did not meet at a Cytokine meeting, but my favorite scientist and collaborator is current Cytokine Society Secretary Susan Carpenter! We are currently working together to study the role of lncRNAs in antimycobacterial immunity.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
For Cytokines 2023, my husband/collaborator Robbie Watson and I brought our two young sons with us to Greece. The after-hours tour of the Acropolis Museum was incredible—an unforgettable experience for sure. Another highlight was the conference-organized childcare. While Robbie and I were listening to talks and browsing poster sessions, our sons were cared for by two amazing nannies. They went to parks, visited a museum, and ate lunch at a local restaurant. It means a lot when conferences/societies provide support for families, and the Cytokine Society does an especially good job of it!
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
These days, I am a fully committed travel soccer mom (without any of the soccer-themed earrings or bedazzled sweatshirts). My weekends are spent driving to matches all over the Southeast U.S. and writing grants on the sidelines.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Towards the end of my postdoc, my mentor told me that she thought that I would make a good PI and was shocked that I hadn’t come to the same conclusion on my own. Up until that point, I had never really entertained a career in research (see: fear, insecurity, imposter syndrome, etc.). It sounds silly but that one conversation really shifted how I saw myself and my future. Subsequently, it shaped the way I communicate with my own trainees. I appreciate the power of my words, and I know not to assume that young scientists realize how amazing they are. I make sure to tell them that I believe in them and compliment their accomplishments—often and early!
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Reading fiction is one of the few “hobbies” I can keep up with consistently. I’m currently reading and enjoying Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
What is your favorite cytokine?
Having closely followed the bracket run by former and current Cytokine Society presidents on social media, I know this is a hotly contested question! I am going to go with interferon beta, the major type I IFN produced by macrophages. I continue to be intrigued by the paradoxical role for type I IFN in protecting against some pathogens but exacerbating disease caused by others.
Connect with Kristin on Bluesky: @thepwlab.bsky.social
You can hear Kristin’s talk, RNA binding proteins: Concertmasters of antibacterial immunity, at the ICIS Guest Symposium at AAI’s IMMUNOLOGY2025™. More information, including how to register here.