Dr. Kevin O Connor

Biography

Kevin C. O’Connor is a professor in the Department of Neurology & Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Tufts University. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. O’Connor completed postdoctoral training in Immunology at Harvard Medical School and subsequently served as an Assistant Professor before joining the faculty at Yale. His research focuses on human translational immunology in neurology, with a particular emphasis on understanding the role of B cells and antibodies in autoimmune diseases. His laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which autoreactive B cell subsets and autoantibody isotypes initiate and sustain autoimmunity. Current projects include immunological studies of human-derived specimens obtained through clinical trials of immune-modulating treatments, with the aim of enhancing personalized medicine approaches to treating autoimmune disorders, particularly Myasthenia Gravis. Dr. O’Connor's extensive body of work includes identifying pathogenic mechanisms of autoantibodies, developing complex therapies addressing multiple pathogenic mechanisms, and enhancing diagnostic techniques for demyelinating autoimmune diseases.

Research Interests