On November 23, 2025, the field of interferon signaling lost one of its luminary scientists, Dr. Andrew C. Larner. Andy, as many of us knew him, was Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University and a long-standing member of the Cytokine Society (formerly ISICR and ICIS). Andy was not only an extraordinary scientist but also a generous mentor, trusted colleague, and dear friend whose warmth and curiosity touched everyone who knew him.
Early Years
Andy’s scientific journey began with a BSc from Haverford College in 1975 followed by both an MD and a PhD from the University of Virginia. He completed postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University under the mentorship of James Darnell and Pathology residency at the National Cancer Institute. He then served as a Senior Scientist at the FDA before being recruited to the Cleveland Clinic as a Staff Scientist and then as faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine, where his career continued to flourish. Throughout his life, Andy approached science not merely as a profession, but as a deeply held passion rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to improving human health.
Scientific Contributions
Among his many scientific contributions, Andy was instrumental in early studies that led to the characterization of STAT proteins and their role in interferon signaling pathways. His subsequent work was equally transformative, particularly his contributions to our understanding of STAT3. While STAT3 was traditionally studied as a nuclear transcription factor, Andy’s work, conducted concurrently with that of David Levy’s lab, discovered an unexpected role for STAT3 in mitochondrial function. This finding opened new avenues of investigation and has had lasting impact on research in cancer biology, heart disease and metabolic regulation.
Colleagues often remarked on Andy’s exceptional ability to see connections others overlooked. He pursued questions others thought were too obscure and turned them into discoveries that reshaped the field. His contributions are reflected in publications in leading journals — including Science, Nature, PNAS, Cell Metabolism, Science Signaling, and The Journal of Experimental Medicine — demonstrating both the depth and breadth of his scientific vision. Beyond publications, Andy’s legacy lives in the many scientists he trained, mentored, and helped launch into successful careers.
Personal Connections
For those of us who had the privilege to work closely with him, Andy’s legacy is also deeply personal. He was generous with his time and wisdom, always ready with thoughtful feedback, a gentle nudge to think more boldly, and an infectious enthusiasm for discovery. His mentorship style lives on through his trainees, in whom he instilled the values that guide their work — with integrity, openness, and humility.
Andy’s impact extended far beyond the lab. He brought joy, laughter, and humanity to every room he entered. He will be remembered not only as a pioneering scientist but as a beloved mentor, colleague, husband, father, and friend.