Jim Boonyaratanakornkit, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutch
Dr. Jim Boonyaratanakornkit is an infectious disease specialist and virologist whose research and clinical practice focus on preventing and treating viral infections in the respiratory system, blood, skin, eyes and other areas of the body in people at heightened risk for serious complications, including those who have cancer, are immunocompromised or received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. In his lab, Dr. Boonyaratanakornkit has leveraged innovative immunologic approaches to study B cell and antibody responses to respiratory viruses. Dr. Boonyaratanakornkit works to develop new vaccines and treatments, such as immunotherapies, by leveraging information obtained through highly sensitive laboratory techniques to identify the immune system’s natural protective responses against viruses. He collaborates with medical oncologists and hematologists in the clinic to improve outcomes for vulnerable patients by determining the best treatment option for each individual against pathogens like respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza virus and cytomegalovirus.
Other Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of WashingtonAssistant Professor, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
University of Washington
Education
University of California, San Francisco, 2011, MD (Medicine)
University of Maryland, College Park, 2010, PhD (Veterinary Medical Sciences)
University of California, Berkeley, 2004, BA (Molecular and Cell Biology)
Research Interests
Dr. Boonyaratanakornkit studies viruses that afflict patients with cancer, immunocompromised and transplant patients, people with chronic medical conditions, infants, children, and older adults. He leverages highly sensitive techniques to identify protective responses against viruses and develop immune-based therapies. He studies rare B cells targeting common viruses, like respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses, coronaviruses, and herpes viruses. He also studies how antibodies can be engineered to enhance their ability to prevent and treat viral infections in vulnerable patients.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Boonyaratanakornkit specializes in the care of immunocompromised patients with infectious diseases. In particular, he has expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections caused by respiratory viruses and herpes viruses in immunocompromised hosts.
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"My motivation is to provide cutting edge patient care to vulnerable patients through translational science that spans basic research, preclinical models, clinical trials, implementation, and public health."
— Dr. Jim Boonyaratanakornkit