Jonathon W. Uhr, MD, died from prostate cancer on February 15, 2024, at age 96.
Dr. Uhr was a pioneer in immunology. His most influential work included discovering how antibodies are made and developing an early detection method for cancer cells.
Throughout his career, his research efforts were primarily focused on early diagnosis and treatment, with later work in identifying cancer cells with advanced imaging. Dr. Uhr also aided the development of a commercialized tumor cell detection test that was ranked as the top medical innovation in 2009.
Dr. Uhr joined UT Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center in 1972 as chair and professor of microbiology; he later stepped into the role of professor at UTSW’s Cancer Immunobiology Center and eventually was named professor emeritus of immunology in 2010.
Other roles Dr. Uhr held included director of the Irvington House Institute for Rheumatic Fever and Allied Diseases, professor of internal medicine at New York University Medical School, president of the American Association of Immunologists, member of the Scientific Review Board for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, member of the U.S.-Japan Panel of the Cooperative Program in Immunology, member of the Scripps Clinic Scientific Review board, and member of the Howard Hughes Medical Advisory Board.
Dr. Uhr was an inspiring mentor to many researchers and was awarded the Abbott-American Society for Microbiology Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.
“Under Dr. Uhr’s leadership, the Department of Microbiology gained an international reputation in immunology research, and he was instrumental in recruiting some of the finest scientists in the country to UT Southwestern,” said W. P. Andrew Lee, MD, executive vice president for academic affairs, provost, and dean of UTSW Medical School. “His legacy of discovery and commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers will live on in the halls and labs of our institution.”
Dr. Uhr is survived by his wife, Ginger Uhr, and his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
