I am a Physician Scientist specializing in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Washington University in St. Louis. My lab focuses on the role of autophagy and cell death in macrophages in cytokine storm syndromes from infectious and sterile etiologies. I use the word “focus” liberally, as our work touches on diverse areas of immunology, cell biology, immunometabolism, and immunopathogenesis, with a never-ending slew of research avenues to pursue.
Often, I feel my job as a PI is akin to herding cats, which is an enjoyable challenge! Alas, much to the chagrin of my feline-loving spouse, I am allergic to cats. Thankfully, I am not allergic to our 75 lb. pit-bull rescue ‘lap dog’, whose thoughts I, along with my spouse and 11-year-old son, enjoy interpreting and anthropomorphizing on a routine basis! The Orvedahl-Yarbrough family, sans the pit-bull, is pictured above in Pompeii, Italy wearing Cytokines 2022 shirts from Hawai’i.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
Anthony Orvedahl, PhD, MD. I am an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology and Immunology at Washington University in St. Louis.
Where did you do your training?
My graduate training was in the Medical Scientist Training Program at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX. My PhD mentor was Beth Levine, MD. My post-graduate training was in the Pediatric Physician Scientist Training Program at WashU in St. Louis, MO. My post-doc mentors were Skip Virgin, MD, PhD, and Gary Silverman, MD, PhD.
Briefly, what is your research about?
We are studying the role of autophagy and cell death in cytokine responses, particularly interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor, and the contribution of these factors in macrophage regulation of immune homeostasis. We use mouse models of sterile shock and severe respiratory infections to dissect their role in pathophysiology. The overall goal is to develop host directed therapies targeting these pathways.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
Involvement in ICIS has helped my career by providing the opportunity to interact with like-minded scientists from diverse fields at the Cytokines meetings, and by sponsoring publications such as Signals+.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Most recently, in Seoul 2024, I enjoyed meeting Scott Canna, who shares an interest in clinical aspects and mouse models of Cytokine Storm Syndrome, and Aaron Irving, with whom I enjoyed discussing the evolutionary aspects of interferon stimulated genes in bats.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
I am particularly fond of Cytokines 2022, in Hawaii, where several former Virgin lab student and post-doc colleagues re-connected over a spectacular sunset dinner. Another notable highlight was Seoul, 2024, with more Virgin lab alumni, enjoying Korean night life and viewing the city from above in Seoul Tower.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
When not in lab, I enjoy traveling and cooking with my family, and running with my aforementioned ‘lap dog’.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
A true measure of success is the ability to recruit people better than yourself. By that measure I have been wildly successful!
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Stranger Things. As an elder millennial, I love the nostalgia, and I am very curious to see how they handle the aging of characters in the next season. Though it is not a current show per se, I recommend catching up if you haven’t seen it before the next season drops!
What is your favorite cytokine?
Interferon-gamma, with TNF as a close second. Ask me why at the next Cytokines meeting!
Connect with Anthony on Twitter/X: @AOmdphd