Jean Langhorne is a parasite immunologist at the Francis Crick Institute, with a particular interest in immune responses to Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. She has played a key role in developing experimental models that more accurately reflect human infections and has shown that CD4 T cells, B cells, and antibodies are the major protective responses against blood-stage parasites. She elucidated the critical role of CD4+ T cell-derived cytokines in regulating these responses and showed that the same host response can be involved in both protection and pathology.
Work in Africa on the human pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum inspired Jean to become involved in mentoring and training African scientists. This resulted in her directing the Crick Africa Network, which supports African scientists to establish their independent research laboratories and technology platforms in Africa.
For her contributions to malaria immunology, Jean was awarded the EMBO-BioMalPar Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. She is a member of many national and international review panels and advisory boards.
Professional position
- Principal Group Leader, The Francis Crick Institute
