Michael G. Constantinides, PhD

Associate Professor

Department of Immunology and Microbiology

Research Focus

Every surface of the body harbors distinct communities of commensal microbes, known as microbiota, that promote the immune system and other bodily functions. In turn, the immune system modulates the composition of these microorganisms and segregates them by sustaining barrier tissue function. This dialog between the microbiota and the host is of particular importance for specialized immune cells termed innate lymphocytes, which predominantly localize in barrier tissues and have been increasingly recognized for their diverse roles in physiology.

The Constantinides Lab studies how microbes influence the development and function of innate lymphocytes and the mechanism by which these immune cells reciprocally regulate the microbiota. We are developing targeted approaches to modulate these interactions and generating innovative therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer.

Education

Professional Experience

Awards & Professional Activities

Select Publications

LeBlanc, Gabrielle R.; Sobel, Adam L.; Melamed, Jonathan; Haas, Dominic; Ansaldo, Eduard; Cirone, Aiko M.; Murguia, Elizabeth; Constantinides, Michael G. Antibiotic use in early life impairs MAIT cell-mediated immunity in adulthood. Journal of Experimental Medicine 2025, 223.
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Haas, Dominic; Melamed, Jonathan; LeBlanc, Gabrielle; Arun, Nikhita; Perkowski, Andrew J.; Aubé, Jeffrey; Mack, Matthias; Constantinides, Michael G. MAIT cell responses to intracellular and extracellular pathogens are mediated by distinct antigen presenting cells. bioRxiv 2025.
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LeBlanc, Gabrielle; Kreissl, Felix K.; Melamed, Jonathan; Sobel, Adam L.; Constantinides, Michael G. The role of unconventional T cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Seminars in Immunology 2022, 61-64, 101656.
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Constantinides, Michael G.; Belkaid, Yasmine Early-life imprinting of unconventional T cells and tissue homeostasis. Science 2021, 374, eabf0095.
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Constantinides, Michael G.; Link, Verena M.; Tamoutounour, Samira; Wong, Andrea C.; Perez-Chaparro, P J.; Han, Seong-Ji; Chen, Y E.; Li, Kelin; Farhat, Sepideh; Weckel, Antonin; Krishnamurthy, Siddharth R.; Vujkovic-Cvijin, Ivan; Linehan, Jonathan L.; Bouladoux, Nicolas; Merrill, E D.; Roy, Sobhan; Cua, Daniel J.; Adams, Erin J.; Bhandoola, Avinash; Scharschmidt, Tiffany C.; Aubé, Jeffrey; Fischbach, Michael A.; Belkaid, Yasmine MAIT cells are imprinted by the microbiota in early life and promote tissue repair. Science 2019, 366, eaax6624.
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Constantinides, Michael G.; McDonald, Benjamin D.; Verhoef, Philip A.; Bendelac, Albert A committed precursor to innate lymphoid cells. Nature 2014, 508, 397-401.
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In the Media

Study reveals high stakes of early immune development—and a potential probiotic fix

The Microbiologist

Immunology & Microbiology

News

Study reveals high stakes of early immune development—and a potential probiotic fix

Scripps Research scientists find that certain gut bacteria are essential for building immune defenses during infancy, pointing to new strategies for protecting children’s health.

Immunology & Microbiology

Magazine

Beyond the bench: Michael Constantinides

For Michael Constantinides, science is more than a search for answers—it’s a chance to guide others along the way. As an associate professor at Scripps Research, he’s as dedicated to mentoring young scientists and fostering a supportive lab culture as he is to conducting cutting-edge research. Constantinides’ lab studies how innate immune cells—the body’s first responders to infection and injury—protect barrier tissues like the skin and digestive tract lining. From helping graduate students navigate experiments to launching hands-on outreach initiatives for high schoolers, he’s working to make science more accessible, one conversation at a time.

Immunology & Microbiology

News

Scripps Research’s Skaggs Graduate School awards doctoral degrees to 33rd graduating class

The ceremony represented the largest graduating class since the doctoral program’s inception in 1989.

Graduate Program Institute News Education

Magazine

Community Corner: A Q&A with immunologist Michael Constantinides

Running a successful lab is not just about coming up with the best scientific ideas. It’s also about working to eliminate barriers and empowering trainees to fulfill their potential. Since joining Scripps Research as an assistant professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology in 2020, Michael Constantinides, PhD has established multiple programs to engage students from underrepresented communities in STEM and to increase representation of marginalized groups at the faculty level.

Immunology & Microbiology Educational Outreach

Magazine

It takes guts

Immunologist Michael Constantinides, PhD, examines the symbiosis between our body and the bacteria that inhabit us.

Immunology & Microbiology

Magazine

Shaping early-life immunity

Immunologist Michael Constantinides, PhD, examines the symbiosis between our body and the bacteria that inhabit us.

Immunology & Microbiology

News

Michael Constantinides receives 2021 Baxter Foundation Young Investigator Award

The award will support the lab’s investigation of early-life immunity to prevent neonatal infections.

Immunology & Microbiology Awards & Honors