Dr. Gregory Barton

Professor

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Biography

Greg Barton's training and expertise span areas of immunology, microbiology, cell biology, and mouse genetics. His research lab focuses on microbial detection and the innate immune system, exploring the links between innate and adaptive immunity. He developed new transgenic mouse strains in graduate student Alexander Rudensky’s lab that addressed the importance of MHC-bound self-peptides in T cell selection. His postdoctoral training under Ruslan Medzhitov emphasized innate immunity, with notable studies demonstrating Toll-like receptors’ (TLRs) roles in controlling the induction of adaptive immunity. Notably, Barton began studying TLR specificity for nucleic acids to avoid responses to self DNA and RNA, and his group has characterized key aspects of TLR trafficking and its profound impacts on receptor function. His ongoing research continues to explore self versus non-self discrimination mechanisms, host-microbe interactions, and how innate immunity regulates adaptive responses. His lab is recognized for discoveries in the regulatory mechanisms of TLRs and their roles in immune functionality.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2004-08-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Conducting research and teaching courses in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology.

Courses

Molecular Immunology Research Review Immunology Pathogenesis: Innate Immunity Innate Control Adaptive Immun Research Research Review Plant Microbial Biology Individual Study for Graduate Students Immunology Laboratory

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.