Timothy Springer is the Latham Family Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School. His lab works on receptor–ligand interactions and signal transmission across membranes. His lab uses structural, cell biology and single-molecule techniques to answer questions relevant to immunology, hemostasis, mammalian biology and human disease. Springer discovered lymphocyte function-associated molecules, intercellular adhesion molecules and the first subfamily of integrins. He defined how these molecules interact to mediate cell adhesion. His discoveries of receptors directly led to the development and FDA approval of two drugs that treat plaque psoriasis, efalizumab and alefacept. He later uncovered the three-step process by which leukocytes move through blood vessel walls, which led to the development of the drugs Tysabri for multiple sclerosis and Vedolizumab for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Springer is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine and National Academy of Inventors. His honors include the Crafoord Prize, the American Association of Immunologists Meritorious Career Award, the Stratton Medal from the American Society of Hematology, the Canada Gairdner International Award and the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award.

Springer Lab