Laurel L. Lenz Jr, PhD Ask a Question Refer Patient Laurel L. Lenz Jr, PhD, is a researcher at National Jewish Health. Dr. Lenz is in the Department of Biomedical Research. Associate Professor Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine 5280 Top Doctors 2022 Previously a 5280 Top Doctor America’s Top Doctors 2015 — Castle Connolly, Medical, Ltd. Recognized in America’s Top Doctors — Castle Connolly, Inc. Best Doctors in America® 2019-2020 — Best Doctors, Inc. Recognized in Best Doctors in America® — Best Doctors, Inc. America’s Top Doctors 2020 — Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd. Email Profile Print Profile Overview Contact Info & Locations Research Areas Basic Immunology Cellular and Molecular Biology Immunobiology Infectious Diseases Inflammation Innate Immunity Interferons and Cytokines Molecular Immunology Myeloid Cells NK cells Special Interests Research Interests We study mechanisms of immune subversion and immune regulation during bacterial infections and other disease settings. We dissect strategies that microbes have evolved to thwart or manipulate immune responses and work to define host immune regulatory circuits that are manipulated by pathogens. Our studies focus on innate immune responses during mucosal and systemic infections. We are actively pursuing translation of information from our studies towards improved therapies for infectious, inflammatory, cancerous, and other diseases. Education Education 1998 University of Washington, Seattle, PhD, Immumnology 1991 Kansas State University, BA, Microbiology Fellowship 1999 - 2004 University of California - Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology Awards & Recognition Editorial Boards: Frontiers in NK cell Biology, Frontiers in Microbial Immunology, PLoS ONE, Journal of Immunology. Professional Memberships American Association of Immunologists Society for Natural Immunity Society for Mucosal Immunology Cytokine and Interferon Society Publications Rayamajhi M, Humann J, Penheiter K, Andreasen K and Lenz LL. 2010. Induction of IFNαβ enables Listeria monocytogenes to suppress macrophage activation by IFNγ. J. Exp. Med. 207:327-37. Humann J and Lenz LL. 2010. Activation of naïve NK cells in response to Listeria monocytogenes requires IL-18 and contact with infected dendritic cells. J. Immunol. 184:5172-8. A LysM and SH3-Domain Containing Region of the Listeria monocytogenes p60 Protein Stimulates Accessory Cells to Promote Activation of Host NK Cells. Schmidt RL, Filak HC, Lemon JD, Potter TA, Lenz LL. PLoS Pathog. 2011. Nov;7(11):e1002368. Rayamajhi M, Delgado C, Condon TV, Riches DW, and Lenz LL. 2012. “Lung B cells promote early pathogen dissemination and hasten death from inhalation anthrax” Mucosal Immunol. in press Cole C, Thomas S, Filak H, Henson PM, and Lenz LL. 2012. “Nitric oxide increases susceptibility of toll-like receptor-activated macrophages to spreading Listeria monocytogenes.” Immunity in press. Academic Affiliations Associate Professor, Departments of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver Training Faculty, Biomedical Sciences Program, Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Colorado Denver Member, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver Teaching & Professional Positions No current positions. Industry Relationships & Collaborations National Jewish Health physicians and scientists may collaborate with pharmaceutical or other industries to develop medical and scientific breakthroughs or to provide education on trends in quality medical practice and outcomes to physicians and health professionals around the country. National Jewish Health maintains a strict conflict of interest policy to ensure that all potential conflicts are clearly visible and that management plans are put in place in order to further innovation and education while ensuring the protection of our patients and the integrity of our research. National Jewish Health publicly discloses any payment to our physicians or scientists. View this faculty member’s industry relationships and collaborations. Website Information Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine Ask a Question through Patient Portal Sign in to your My National Jewish Health patient portal account to communicate with your care team, manage appointments, and more. Create an Account Contact Information Office: 303.398.1767Fax: 303.398.1396 Email: lenzl@njhealth.org Patient Ratings The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our independent rating system, the Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. This survey is about the patient care experience and does not address crucial characteristics like medical decision-making, prescribing the best therapy, and patient outcomes. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Learn more about our patient satisfaction survey. Comments Comments are collected in our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Surveys. 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